They don’t get paid the big bucks.
The work they do isn’t glamorous.
Their deeds don’t make them famous.
But none of that matters to them because everyday, in a variety of ways both big and small, they make a positive impact on the lives of the young people around them.
They have different titles and play different roles ? teacher, coach, parent, volunteer ? but in the end, they all fit in one category, unsung heroes.
Nineteen of these unsung heroes from the Oxford/Orion area will be honored March 31 by the Orion/Oxford Community Coalition at the group’s annual Unsung Heroes Awards Banquet at Addison Oaks.
“These adults were nominated by community members and are being recognized for their work with the children and youth of our two communities. They exemplify adults who go above and beyond their normal duties,” said Gary Binzer, community organizer for the Orion/Oxford Community Coalition.
Three Oxford residents will be honored that night.
The first is Andy Vascassenno, 81, who will be honored for the volunteer work he’s done for the Oxford High School Athletics over the last 37 years.
Vascassenno was nominated by OHS Athletic Director Pat Ball.
“Andy has donated endless hours to the athletic students and staff of Oxford High School,” Ball wrote in the nomination application. “On football Fridays, Andy arrives at school three hours before game time to get the equipment ready for the game. He chats with players and then heads over to the field as he is responsible for transporting all equipment to home and away games. Once the game starts he paces the sideline as our volunteer equipment manager. Andy finishes his duties after 10:30 p.m. every Friday. Andy returns back the next morning by 7:30 a.m. to be with the kids for the Saturday meeting, repair headphones or whatever else is needed.
“In the fall, Andy is also there for every girls basketball game getting the scoreboard started, the benches set up and taking tickets,” Ball wrote. “Parents, officials and fans from Oxford and other schools are accustomed to having Andy greet them when they arrive. He gets more hugs then any ticket-taker in America.”
In the winter, Vascassenno helps out by setting up and taking tickets for wrestling, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. In the spring, he runs the pole vault area at track meets as an official judge.
“Mr. Vascessenno is Tradition. He believes in Oxford kids, loves Oxford and is one of our super heroes for the athletic department of Oxford High School,” Ball wrote.
When asked how it feels to be named an Unsung Hero, Vascassenno replied, “It feels darn good.”
“I was awful surprised they picked me with so many people to choose from,” he said. “I sure appreciate it. It’s really nice.”
When asked why he’s volunteered so many years to OHS athletics and continues to do so, Vascassenno said, “I love the kids and the people. Everyone always takes the time to say hello to me and that makes me feel good.”
John and Iva Vandervoort were named Unsung Heroes because over the last 26 years, they’ve provided a loving home to 64 foster children and adopted seven kids, many of which had or have special needs. Iva was also nominated for her work as a Special Education Monitor/Trainer on Oxford school buses.
As a monitor, 65-year-old Iva is responsible for making sure the special medical and safety needs of “severely, multiply impaired” students riding the school bus are adequately met to and from school everyday. She’s also responsible for making sure these children are “comfortable and happy” by doing things to “entertain” them.
With seven years of experience under her belt, Iva is also responsible for training new monitors.
Both Iva and John are no strangers to children, having seven biological children, 13 grandchildren and a new grandchild on the way.
While most people their age are enjoying peaceful and relaxing retirements, the Vandervoorts currently care for seven adopted children (four of which are handicapped) and three foster kids.
“We feel very blessed to help children, who can’t help themselves. They give us joy,” Iva said.
John said their life of providing foster care and adopting children began when one Sunday the pastor of their church announced new parents were needed for a little boy who’s mother was dieing of cancer.
The Vandervoorts went through all the requirements and filed all the paperwork only to have the mother die before she could sign the final adoption papers. The little boy was adopted by another couple and the Vandervoorts never saw him again.
“Instead of giving up, we decided to help other children in need,” John, 66, said.
Iva said caring for handicapped children, both at home and work, is “thrilling,” especially when they look at her and smile because its her voice and touch that comforts them.
“A lot of people couldn’t do it,” Iva said. “Everyone has a gift. This happens to be our gift.”
When asked how it feels to be named a local Unsung Hero, Iva replied, “I’m what you call numb. I can’t believe it. It’s pretty nice.”
John agreed that winning the award is “pretty nice” and added that “We didn’t expect it.”
Pamela Molik and Jack Gray, from Oxford Middle School, who nominated the couple for the award said they are “excellent role models” and “we need more people like the Vandervoorts.”
The Unsung Heroes from Orion include John and Dee Ciszewski, Chris Gutkowski, Tom Weakland, Sharon McCatty, Hazek Mabery, Sarah Manzo, Christopher Bell, Cindy Hilley, Adam and Pattie Silorry, Gail Lohr, Dan Martin, Mary Anne Thorndycraft, Sarah Elizabeth Hauxwell and Ben Gerdeman.
All the Unsung Heroes will be honored at a banquet at Addison Oaks on Monday, March 31 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students and available through March 24 at the Lake Orion CERC Office, Oxford Board of Education Office or by calling Gary Binzer at 693-1690.
No tickets will be available at the door.