key players AMBASSADORS 2008
Key players that are making a difference in children's lives
Norman Davey was nominated by children of the Dunbar Community Center in Springfield. Norman volunteers his time five days a week, helping children with homework and life’s’ problems. Ten year old Vanessa Denault says “He tries to help out in any way he can and is very nice and honest”.
Thomas Devane is a basketball coach in Springfield. He is 38 years old and raises 3 children, 18 year old Brandon, 14 year old Thomas Jr., and 13 year old Nicole. During the day, Thomas works at Putnam Investments. He volunteers his time as an AAU coach and starts fundraisers for children who can’t afford to play AAU. Sixteen year old Denzel Washington, who nominated Thomas, believes that “Coach Devane gives children hope. He helps us in any way we need it and is my father figure.”
Ricky Dixon was nominated by members of his basketball team. Ricky is 40 years old and works for Garter Armored Trucking , delivering money to banks in Springfield. He has three children, Aria who is a freshman at UMass-Amherst, Ricky Jr. who is 12, and seven year old Lyric. Ricky volunteers his time at Gerena Community School teaching coaching basketball. Felix Escobar, a 13 year old member of his team, praises Ricky for “giving us confidence.”
Wesley Jackson was nominated by teens of the South End Community Center. Wesley finds jobs for teens in the community as well as help them get into colleges. He also serves as a basketball coach. Eighteen year old Jorge Santana believes Wesley is a Key Player because “He has done so much for so many kids on and off the court. He is like a dad that kids never had. He is also currently helping me get into college.”
Martin Kelis was nominated by 9-year-old Matthew who stated, "He helps me with my homework and teaches me about God." Martin does great work with children at the Pentecostal Iglesia in Springfield.
James Lightfoot is a performing arts teacher at the Renaissance School in Springfield. James is originally from Detroit, MI and graduated from Grand Valley State University four years ago. James has worked with youth for the past 12 years, and before working at the Renaissance School he worked at the Dunbar Community Center. Fifteen year old Jordan Akers, who nominated James, says that he “helps me in both school and sports” and that James often “helps me with my running skills by running with me.”
Felix Rivera was nominated by members of his basketball team. Felix is 27 years old and has 4 children, ages three to nine. Felix is the founder of The Greater Kid’s Foundation, which helps out youths in Springfield. In the past, he has organized summer basketball and baseball leagues, and is currently working on starting a flag football league in the fall. In the future, Felix hopes to open a community center in Holyoke, Ma. Isabel Lopez, who’s son plays on Felix’s basketball team, thinks that Felix should be honored because “he doesn’t give up on the kids.”
Bruce Shaw is a pastor at the New Hope Pentecostal Church in Springfield. Bruce is 50 years old and has two daughters, Monique who is 26 and Ashley who is 20. Before becoming a pastor, Bruce worked as an educator at the Leadership Charter School in Springfield. Seventeen year old Nicole Brunson, who nominated Bruce, wants him to be recognized as a Key Player because “he teaches and guides me to become a better Christian.”
Michael Slaughter coaches baseball and basketball in Springfield. He was nominated by members of his basketball team. Through his work as a coach and the interest shown in his players’ lives, Michael helps develop children into mature young adults. One member, thirteen year old Paul Monette, thinks Michael should be a Key Player because “he helps us do our best at basketball and academics.”
LaVaughn Smith was nominated by members of his family and church. LaVaughn is an active member of the Freedom House of God Church in Springfield. In his spare time, he works as a referee for the Boys and Girls Club. He also helps organize basketball fundraisers for his church. Seventeen year old Yolanda James believes LaVaughn should be recognized for his work because “He is always trying to do something to keep us out of the streets. He lets us know that bad things may happen to you, but if you put God first you will always come out on top.