key players AMBASSADORS 2006
Key players that are making a difference in children's lives
Between being a mentor to many, and coaching basketball, Eddie Anderson seems to find time to help out everyone. Former Athletic Director at the Dunbar center and father of four, his community work doesn't go unnoticed. Currently, Mr. Anderson is the basketball coach at The High School of Science & Technology in Springfield, and as Erica Cartagena says "He's an excellent advisor and a very caring person for other teens in the pioneer valley of Springfield, MA."
Jason Brown is a basketball coach at the SABIS charter school and a teacher at Sci Tech. He has been instrumental in tutoring youth in both the game of basketball and life for several years. "He doesn't only turn kids into good players, but good players into respectful young men," said Xavier Machuca, age 9, who nominated Mr. Brown for the award.
Bobby Caban has lived in Springfield since December of 2002. He and his wife Mimi have two children, a son Michael, who is 8 years old and a 3 year old daughter Hadassah. Mr. Caban use to live in Stamford, CT before moving to Springfield. He is the band director in West Hampton at the Hampshire Regional High School. Mr. Caban is also a private drum set instructor in East Hampton. He started working with other children and positively impacting their lives, when he was only 15 years old. Then he started giving private drum lessons because others would study him and want to play with him. Mr. Caban is a professional musician. When approached with this honor, he was stunned, shocked, and surprised as most men are. Mr. Caban understands the importance of making a difference in someone's life. "Somebody did it for me and I want to do it for someone else," he stated.
Euwel Henry is currently the Transportation Coordinator at the Dunbar Community Center. Residing in the Springfield area for the past 15 years he has had plenty of time to make an impact on the people around him. Students say that just by looking at him they know how to make the right choice. "He makes the path in life and that is what people look up to in a man" remarks Juliuete Lopez, age 11.
Choice Jennings may not be a resident of the City of Springfield, but with his home residing in Holyoke, Massachusetts, his community work is felt across the area. While owning his own business and working most of his time at the New North Citizens Council, Mr. Jennings finds time to be an inspiration to many.
Myoung Ho Jun has lived in the Springfield community for two years with his wife. Master Jun is a tae-kwon-do instructor at the US Taekwondo Center on Parker Street, where he has been the main instructor since he moved here. Master Jun does everything he can to go above and beyond what needs to be done. He goes out of his way to give one on one instructions to students and dedicates much of his time outside of class to the youth. Master Jun recently took his demo team to a second place finish in the state competition.
Tony Malone is the director of youth programs at the Springfield Girls Club Family Center. Mr. Malone splits his time between his own life with his son and making sure the community's children have a safe and fun place to go after school. Tony is regarded as a role model because he looks out for the welfare of all the children in the community.
Nathaniel Smithproves to be both a mentor and a father. Splitting his time between the Third Baptist Church and mentoring young children from around the area has never proven to be an easy task. His office is always occupied by young children looking up to their mentor. He is currently serving as the Reverend at his church.
Jose Sostre is a basketball and baseball coach at the New North End. Through his exemplary leadership he teaches his players discipline and respect. He has helped to impact dozens of youth over the years. "His hard work and dedication is an inspiration to all of us" says Benjamin DeJesus Jr., age 9.
Olander Worthy has been living in the Indian Orchard area of Springfield since 1977. In which he joined the National Junior Tennis League and set up a chapter for the Springfield minority youth. Mr. Worthy has been using the League to help find meaningful activities for underprivileged youth. He has also taught at the John F. Kennedy Middle School and is a deacon at the Greater New Life Christian Center. Mr. Worthy is starting a Double Dutch League across Western Mass to help fight youth obesity.