key players AMBASSADORS 2004

Key players that are making a difference in children's lives

L to R: Thomas H Hodge, Keith Dodds, Virgilio Berrios, Duong Chu, Carlton Steele,
Billy Arnold, Lenny Underwood, Billy Coleman, Kalif Sharif, Richard Griffin

 

Billy Arnold has been a percussion teacher at the Community School of Music since its opening in 1983. During that time he has also worked with youth at the Dunbar Community Center, the Springfield Jewish Community Center, and in private lessons. Mr. Arnold has been married for 38 years to his wife, Sally, and has two sons, William Arnold Jr. (age 36), and Jason Arnold (age 34). Mr. Arnold was nominated by Alex Shebar who wrote, "Billy Arnold is one of the greatest men I have known. He is kind caring, insightful, funny and talented beyond belief." Mr Arnold attended the Celtics Game courtesy of Springfield' Covering Kids and Families Coalition.

Virgilio Berrios is a parent of two daughters and is raising two stepsons. Mr. Virgilio is an active member of the community. Since becoming a parent, he has dedicated himself to making sure youth do not repeat some of his mistakes. He has volunteer to coach the Red Sox Rookie League baseball team this past summer; participated and volunteered in many community events that were for youth in the community and helped gang members try to change their lives for a positive one. The young people of the New North Citizens Council admire his sincerity, honesty and his committed to his family and community. Mr. Virgilio attended the game courtesy of Mass Mutual Financial Group.

Duong Chu has spent his entire life in the Springfield Community. He currently resides there with his wife and three children, Trong (21), Hanh (19) and My Dzung (16). He is very active in the Vietnamese community as the President of the Vietnamese Catholic Diocese, translator for Vietnamese immigrants, and public health educator for Western Massachusetts. Mr. Chu also spends time mentoring and teaching Vietnamese youth about religion, life and the Vietnamese language after church. Mr. Chu was nominated by his Daughter My Dzung. Mr. Chu attended the game courtesy of the Copy Cat Print Shop.

Ambassador Billy Coleman was nominated by Merissa Rivera and Yestnia Velasquez at the Dunbar Community Center. He has worked with Springfield's youth at the Dunbar after school program and drop in center for a year and a half. Mr. Coleman teaches fourth grade students at Dunbar. He is a father of two, Sean and Natasha, and has had a 19 year career at University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Keith Dodds is an assistant pastor at the Family Church in Springfield, MA. Through his work at his church and his coaching of four youth basketball teams through out the year, Mr. Dodds has been a positive influence in many young lives. He has taught the children that they have the ability to be successful in anything they do and that each of them is truly special. Mr. Dodds lives in Springfield with his wife and has two sons. He was nominated by the young people from the Family Church. The Dodds' family attended the game courtesy of the Bank of Western Massachusetts.

The young people of the Third Baptist church nominated Richard Griffin. He is involved in a variety of programs that seek to improve his community and our lives. Me Griffin encourages young people to be supportive of one another and challenges them to do their best. Mr. Griffin is a long time community activist and a member of the Old Hill Council, and a volunteer basketball coach. Mr. Griffin attended the game courtesy Spartan Brake and Muffler.

Thomas Haywood Hodge has three children and is a retired citizen of Springfield. He is the long time 5A football coach and through 5A has touched many young people. He is a graduate from UMass/Amherst, and earned three associate degrees from Springfield Technical Community College. He was in the Marines for eight years and is a Vietnam veteran. Mr Hodge was nominated by Jamar Rivera and attended the game courtesy of University of the Massachusetts Alumni Association.

Kalif Sharif was nominated by his daughter, Kashana, age 14. She writes, "he deserves to be honored because he does whatever he can to help kids get involved and do something with their lives." Mr. Sarif helped to create "we got game" a basketball/education program for young people. He is also a coach at Holyoke Community College. Mr. Sarif attended the game courtesy of GTFT.

Carlton Steele has been a scout leader ten years and has watched many of his cub scouts become eagle scouts. Every summer he takes a week to go to summer camp with the troop. He has mentored many young men through the scouting program. Mr. Steele also donates many hours in the community, park and recreation, school, TKDO event, and family. He attended the game courtesy of the law offices of Perman Glenn Mr. Steele was nominated by his 15 year-old son Timothy, who wrote, "Carl Steele is a man of great integrity and generosity. Thank you dad for setting a great example of what a husband, dad and a man should be."

Lenny Underwood is the son of Lynda Underwood, and the late Collie Underwood and the grandson of Mrs. Queenie Brown and Mr. and Mrs. Willie L. Underwood. He is a tutor at Washington Street elementary school and has been a Springfield Public Schools Volunteer since 2001. Mr. Underwood is also a "C.H.E.S.S. "volunteer at St. John's Congregational Church Teen Ministry. Mr. Underwood was nominated by the young people at the Martin Luther King Community Center and attended the game courtesy of In a Flash Photographic Services.