By Stephanie Hirsch

As we wrap up summer, and get back into fall routines, I’d like to pass along kudos to three of the many people who help keep our children engaged when school is not in session. What Sam, Ramón, and Michael have in common, according to the colleagues who nominated them, is that they keep kids safe, they help children and adults feel happy and included, and they inspire learning, fun, and action.

Sam Saron

From our Parks and Recreation Department, Sam Saron:

“We would like to recognize Sam Saron for his excellent work at the Kennedy Pool. Sam, a Somerville High School alumni, has just entered his second year at Tufts University.

This past summer was his fifth year at the Kennedy Pool. Throughout the summer, he evolved into a dependable role model for his peers. He took on a leadership role and even opened the pool to lifeguard morning lap swim two-to-three times a week. Sam prioritizes safety as well as pool policy and protocol. He continues to excel at teaching swimming lessons and is frequently requested by parents and students alike.

When one of his students found out Sam was teaching her class, she clapped her hands and cheered. His upbeat attitude and commitment is inspiring. Sam epitomizes the core values we hold sacred in Somerville Parks and Recreation – commitment, integrity, and accountability. What an incredible Somerville professional!”

From Somerville Media Center, Ramón Fireside-Rivera: “As a four-year veteran of Somerville Media Center youth programs, Ramón has emerged as such an incredible leader over the past year. This summer, Ramón was one of our Teen Media Leaders. He was a paid employee for one week of camp, but Ramón chose to volunteer his time during every other week of camp as well, despite having to wake up early and navigate the personalities of 15 kids every day.

Ramón did it all, without ever complaining. Instead, he used his passion for media production, social justice, and speaking up about important issues to amplify the voices of countless kids who came through our doors during our six weeks of summer programming. His energy, good nature, and ability to be both a role model and supportive friend was such an enormous help to staff, and to the many other spaces in which he has emerged in a starring role – including Teen Empowerment, where he recently MC’ed an incredible youth open mic event at the Growing Center.

We are so grateful for everything Ramón has done for our community and feel he deserves a major shout out for his contributions this summer!” Ramón is pictured here with a SCATV crew, front and center in the blue shirt.

From Somerville Community Schools, Michael Horowitz: “Michael always knows when to lend a hand. He is an amazing team member that has been working for Community Schools for 17 years. Michael is kind hearted, hardworking, and willing to go the extra mile.

Michael Horowitz

He is very passionate about his job and supportive of student needs. His upbeat personality is contagious to staff and all around him. Somerville Community Schools Program is fortunate to have him. Michael, we sincerely appreciate all you do, THANK YOU!”

Those of us who spend a lot of time with kids, especially when everyone is hot/tired/crabby, know there’s not enough gratitude in the world for people like these resilient, reliable, and kind leaders. We hope you continue to enrich the lives of people in our community and beyond.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Here are some ways that we can follow in the steps of our featured contributors. The Elections Office needs poll workers, and the city needs members of its 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. Somerville Youth Soccer League needs volunteer coaches and coach helpers (contact Jake Wilson at jakewilson@somervillesoccer.us). And there are many ways to shape city policy through openings in city Boards and Commissions. More information here.