Honor and Recognition

HONORING Rev. SANDRA BURTON – Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Supporter| Coach | Educator | Mentor | Champion for Youth |Community Builder

Founder’s Tribute to Sandra Burton

IN RECOGNITION OF SANDRA ELAINE BURTON
Founding Mentor and Community Builder
SPO Connection Youth Athletic Association
On behalf of SPO Connection Youth Athletic Association, I am proud to honor and thank Reverend Sandra Elaine Burton for her outstanding early support, enduring mentorship, and unshakable commitment to the success of our youth and communities.
Sandra, your leadership was never confined to one title or one location. Whether launching the Immanuel Community Center or organizing tutoring programs that met students exactly where they were, you showed us how community transformation begins with service and belief.

Your dedication to mentoring, your ability to inspire others into action, and your belief that “all children have the ability to learn” became a guiding light for SPO Connection’s mission.

Thank you, my dear friend Sandra, for being a cornerstone in the foundation of our shared vision.
With admiration and appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, SPO Connection Youth Athletic Association

HONORING WAYNE MOORE
Early SPO Member | Educator | Mentor | Champion for Youth Success
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With heartfelt appreciation for your inspiring accomplishments as an early member of SPO Connection — and for the many ways you continue to carry forward our values through your life’s work.

Wayne, your passion for education, mentorship, and service has made a lasting impact on youth both in the classroom and in the community. Through your leadership, dedication, and countless hours devoted to students and athletes, you embody the mission and spirit of SPO Connection.

You teach with purpose.
You mentor with heart.
You lead by example.

We proudly recognize your achievements and your continued commitment to empowering youth today.

Presented with gratitude and admiration,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

August 2, 2025

HONORING

RUBEN BUSH III
An Early Member of SPO Connection | Embodying Excellence in Education, Leadership & Community

Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

On behalf of the entire SPO Connection family, it is my distinct honor to recognize Ruben Bush III — one of our early members — whose journey of personal and professional achievement stands as a shining example of the values we strive to instill: leadership, service, mentorship, and community empowerment.

From his earliest days with SPO Connection, Ruben displayed a spirit of purpose and determination. It comes as no surprise that he has become a distinguished educator, Assistant Principal, mentor, coach, and builder of programs that transform lives.

Ruben’s tireless work are a living testament to what happens when opportunity meets preparation—and when service becomes a way of life.

You are the embodiment of our mission, Ruben.
You lead with integrity.
You serve with heart.
You inspire through action.

Your journey reminds every young person touched by SPO Connection that their potential is limitless when guided by character, compassion, and community.

With profound pride and appreciation,
Presented in Honor of Your Continued Impact
Year: 2025

With admiration and appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, SPO Connection Youth Athletic Association

Founder’s Tribute to Carlos González

HONORING REPRESENTATIVE CARLOS GONZÁLEZ |SPO Connection Lifetime Achievement Award

Massachusetts House of Representatives – 10th Hampden District
Founder, Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce
Community Champion & Legislative Leader
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

In recognition of your enduring legacy of service, economic empowerment, and public leader-ship.
Your tireless advocacy for equity, small business development, and representation has uplifted generations.
Carlos, your journey has inspired hope, created opportunity, and rewritten history.

From the heart of Springfield to the State House, you have remained rooted in the values of community, courage, and progress.
With gratitude, we celebrate your commitment to justice and your unwavering example of servant leadership.

With deep appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
August 2, 2025

HONORING LAVAR CLICK-BRUCE
City Councilor | Youth Advocate | Coach | Community Builder | Faith Leader
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

In recognition of your unwavering service to the Springfield community, your passionate advocacy for youth and families, and your faithful leadership as a coach, mentor, and public servant.

Lavar, your path — from the Dunbar Community Center to City Hall, through every step, you have empowered others, uplifted families, and inspired hope.

You lead with purpose.
You serve with faith.
You mentor with love.

We proudly celebrate your commitment to building a stronger, united Springfield — where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

With deep appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

August 2, 2025

HONORING STEVE ATHAS – Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Supporter | Educator | Mentor | Champion for Youth & Community
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With heartfelt appreciation for your extraordinary leadership, compassion, and decades of service to youth and the Springfield community.

Steve, your tireless dedication as an educator, mentor, and community builder has touched countless lives. Through your leadership in schools, your visionary work with Springfield Parks, and your unwavering support of SPO Connection, you have shaped opportunities for generations of young people.

You lead with integrity.
You mentor with kindness.
You build community through service.

We are forever grateful for your lasting impact and continued commitment to SPO Connection’s mission.

Presented with admiration and deep appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
2025

HONORING MS. ADRIAN WHITFIELD

Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Coach | Mentor | Advocate for Youth & Community Success
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With deep gratitude for your unwavering dedication as an early coach, mentor, and advocate within SPO Connection.

Ms. Whitfield, your generous gift of time, leadership, and passion for our youth has been a cornerstone of our mission. Through your tireless commitment to uplifting young people and strengthening our community, you embody the very heart of SPO Connection.

You lead with purpose.
You mentor with compassion.
You advocate with courage.

We are forever grateful for your enduring impact — and for your unwavering belief in the vision and mission of SPO Connection.

Presented with heartfelt appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

Founder’s Tribute to Elaine and Ray Gravel

HONORING ELAINE & RAY GRAVEL

Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Members | Pillars of Support & Service
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With deepest appreciation for your unwavering dedication as early members of the SPO Connection advisory team.

Elaine and Ray, your selfless spirit, tireless volunteerism, and steadfast support have helped shape the very heart of our mission. Always ready to lend a hand — wherever and whenever needed — you embody the spirit of true service and community.

You uplift through action.
You inspire through example.
You strengthen our mission through your unwavering support.

We are forever grateful for your lasting impact on SPO Connection and the lives we serve.

Presented with heartfelt gratitude,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

HONORING LAWRENCE E. “LARRY” AKERS
Lifetime Achievement Award | Role Model | Leader | Trailblazer | Community Builder
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With profound respect and gratitude for your lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the City of Springfield and its citizens.

Superintendent Akers, your trailblazing career — from patrol officer to the first Black Superintendent of the Springfield Police Department — has inspired generations. Through your leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service, you exemplify the values of accountability, courage, and community at the heart of SPO Connection’s mission.

You lead with honor.
You serve with integrity.
You inspire through action.

We proudly recognize your achievements — and celebrate your lasting impact on our city and our youth.

Presented with the highest appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
2025

HONORING JULIUS WALKER JR.
Early SPO Member | Educator | Coach | Mentor | Community Leader
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With heartfelt appreciation for your extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and dedication to inspiring youth through both education and athletics.

Julius, from your earliest days as an SPO Connection member, you embraced our values of learning, integrity, and service. Today, as an educator, coach, and mentor, you continue to embody SPO’s mission — guiding students on and off the field with character, compassion, and commitment.

You lead with purpose.
You mentor with heart.
You inspire through action.

We proudly honor your achievements — and your continued impact on the lives of youth and the future of our community.

Presented with gratitude and admiration,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

HONORING DWAYNE EARLY
In recognition of your commitment to empowering youth through athletics, leadership, and example.

As the City of Springfield’s Athletic Director, you have shaped a generation of student-athletes with integrity, vision, and compassion. Your support of players, coaches, and families reflects the heart of SPO’s mission.

You are proof that when young people are given opportunity, guidance, and belief — they rise.

Dwayne, we applaud your work, your leadership, and your impact.

With deep appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

August 2, 2025

HONORING STAN BURTON – Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Supporter| Coach | Educator | Mentor | Champion for Youth & Community
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I recognize Mr. Stanley Burton for his unwavering commitment to the mission of Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection from our earliest days. Long before our programs gained formal structure or public recognition, Stan was already there—investing his time, energy, and heart into the lives of young people.
Stan’s impact on our organization began on the basketball courts and in Blunt Park as a classroom. His leadership as a coach for our summer league boys’ basketball team brought home a city championship, but far more importantly, he modeled discipline, resilience, and mentorship for every player. His coaching, grounded in faith and fairness, created a safe space where boys could grow into confident young men.
But Stan’s contributions didn’t stop at the basketball baseline. Whether tutoring students one-on-one, advocating in schools, or offering quiet guidance to those struggling, he always made himself available—without recognition, without complaint. His patience is legendary. As Stan says, “I have 100 reps in me,” and he has indeed repeated lessons hundreds of times to ensure no student is left behind.
Stanley Burton embodies the spirit of SPO Connection: consistent, compassionate, and committed to creating positive opportunity. He helped lay the foundation of who we are and continues to inspire us all with his humility and service.
Thank you, Stan, for showing us what true support looks like.
With respect and heartfelt appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection (SPO)

Founder’s

HONORING KEVIN ANTHONY GREEN
Social Work Practitioner | Fatherhood Advocate | Founder of Seeds of a Father Inc.
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
In recognition of your bold and compassionate leadership, your unwavering commitment to the empowerment of fathers, and your tireless efforts to uplift families and community wellness.

Kevin, your work redefines what fatherhood can be — strong, present, nurturing, and transformational. Through Seeds of a Father, you have ignited a movement of accountability, literacy, and love. And through Healthy Us, you’ve brought wellness and healing to the heart of the neighborhoods that need it most.
You lead with vision.
You serve with purpose.
You father with honor.
We are proud to celebrate your mission and impact — and forever grateful for your service to our shared future.
With respect and appreciation,

Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
August 2, 2025

HONORING KESHAWN DODDS
Educator | Author | CEO | Motivational Leader | Community Builder
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

With great appreciation for your unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment, and inspiring excellence through leadership, service, and storytelling.

Keshawn, your journey from the classroom to the mayor’s office, from the gridiron to the boardroom, and from Springfield to national bookshelves is a true testament to the values at the heart of SPO Connection.

You teach with purpose.
You lead with vision.
You inspire through mentorship.

We proudly honor your continued impact and thank you for being a guiding light for youth and community.

Presented with gratitude and admiration,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

August 2, 2025

HONORING MRS. ROSEMARY CAUDLE
SPO Connection Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

In recognition of your unwavering kindness, selfless support, and behind-the-scenes leadership.

Through blazing summers at Blunt Park, you brought smiles, encouragement, and refreshment to hundreds of SPO Connection youth. Your presence was a gift — showing up year after year without fail, offering comfort, strength, and inspiration.

As a founding member of the SPO Connection Advisory Board, your quiet dedication helped build the heart and soul of this organization.

Mrs. Caudle, you are the living example of humility, grace, and community. We are forever grateful for the legacy of care and love you’ve given.

With deep appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection

August 2, 2025

Honoring longtime Coach and supporter.

For his support and long-term commitment to SPO Connection’s mission of Supporting Positive Opportunity for so many young people we thank him.  RIP.   Coach King – SPO Founder