Celtics Recognize the "Heroes Among Us"
New England is home to many individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on our community, positively affecting the lives of others. For the fourth season, the Boston Celtics will recognize an individual or individuals at each home game who have made a special contribution.
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2002-03 HEROES:
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2001-02 HEROES:
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2000-01 HEROES:
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Here are the October/November 2002 Heroes Among Us:
 Bill McAndrews (pictured with Antoine Walker and Antonio Davis) |
Bill McAndrews
The second half of the football game between Wellesley High and Newton North had just begun when one of the referees, Robert Shriver, collapsed on the field. Bill, the team trainer for Newton North, arrived at his side first. Though Robert was still breathing, Bill called for his defibrillator as a precaution. An ambulance was called, but when Robert’s heart stopped while they were waiting, Bill was prepared. Bill used the defibrillator to get his heart going again, and monitored him until the ambulance arrived. Doctors at the hospital said that Bill’s quick thinking actions saved Robert’s life.
 Gerald Chertavian (pictured with Antoine Walker and Shareef Abdur-Rahim) |
Gerald Chertavian
At the height of his professional success, Gerald sold his multi-million dollar company to build on his lifelong interest in helping inner-city youth succeed. Believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential, he founded YearUp, a one-year, intensive training program that provides young adults with technical and professional skills. Thanks to Gerald’s vision, YearUp acts as a “stepladder to the future” by providing unprecedented access to corporate America for low-income students who just need an opportunity.
 Jeffrey Ryan (pictured with Antoine Walker and Jalen Rose) |
Jeffrey Ryan
Jeffrey, a high school history teacher, was named the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003 by the Department of Education. The award recognizes an educator who exemplifies the finest teaching in the state. Jeffrey has taught for 24 years, including the past five at Reading High School. In addition to classroom experience, he has led students to Peru to teach English, and accompanied educators on a trip to Cuba for a conference with Cuban teachers. He has also been voted “Most Influential Teacher” by the National Honor Society for three consecutive years.
 Travers DeGroot (pictured with Antoine Walker) |
Travers DeGroot
While returning home late one night in October, Travers, a high school senior, noticed the car in front of him drive off the road and slam into a utility pole. Flames immediately arose from the hood, and all three passengers were trapped inside. Travers rushed towards the burning car, and shattered the window with his elbow. He pulled a 13-year old girl from the vehicle, then helped the driver rescue the third passenger from the back seat. Thanks to Travers’ quick actions, all three passengers were rescued and fully recovered from their minor injuries.
 John, Heather and Magi Bish (pictured with Antoine Walker and Michael Finley) |
John, Heather and Magi Bish
On June 27, 2000, John and Magi’s 16 year-old daughter Molly was abducted from her lifeguard post in Warren, MA. While the Bish’s continue their tireless search for Molly, they have also worked to prevent this from happening to other families. They established the Molly Bish Foundation to raise awareness about family safety. The Foundation allows the Bish family to continue their selfless efforts to protect all of our children, and is the only organization in New England that serves the parents and families of missing children. Please visit mollybish.org for more information.
 Pam Singer (pictured with Antoine Walker and Eric Snow) |
Pam Singer
As a longtime volunteer and supporter of youth programs, Pam is well-aware of the pressures facing inner-city youth. Wanting to help those kids most in need, Pam created Camp Ice Cream, an acronym for Inner-City Escape Can Really Enhance A Mind. Working with the local Salvation Army, Pam turns her home in New Hampshire into a summer camp, complete with horseback riding, swimming and arts and crafts. For many children, this is their first trip outside of the city. The camp is free, as Pam underwrites all costs of the program.
 Tom Kelley (pictured with Antoine Walker and John Stockton) |
Tom Kelley
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Boston Celtics were pleased to honor Vietnam veteran, Tom Kelley. A recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart, Tom spent 30 years in the Navy before retiring in 1990. Since then, Tom has become a champion of veteran issues. Among his many achievements, he secured $1.3 million dollars for the support of homeless veterans and was a major force behind the new Vietnam Memorial in Worcester. For his tireless efforts on behalf of Massachusetts’s veterans, Tom was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Veteran Services in 1999.
 The Commander and Crew of the USS Preble (pictured with Antoine Walker and Kobe Bryant) |
The Commander and Crew of the USS Preble
It was the Celtics’ honor to host the Commander and five crewmen from the United States Navy's newest warship the USS Preble. The Preble, which was commissioned in Boston on November 9th, is the most advanced warship in the world. The brave crew has committed themselves to serving our country, and could be called into action at any moment to defend our freedom. As our nation's armed forces face the challenges that lie ahead in the War On Terror, we praise these true Heroes Among Us.
 Justin Pasquariello (pictured with Antoine Walker and Jalen Rose) |
Justin Pasquariello
As a foster child, Justin faced tremendous adversity. After the death of his father and an illness to his birth mother, Justin bounced from family to family before being adopted at age 9. With the love and stability of his family, he was able to graduate first in his high school and attend Harvard College. There, he developed a mentoring program to target children with foster care and adoption backgrounds, and now works full-time to make it a reality. His program, AFC Mentoring, matches successful, well-adjusted adults who have first-hand experience with children currently going through adoption or foster care. Through Justin's program, children most in need understand that they too can have a successful future.
