Killington
posted
Dec 5, 2012
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled
sports non-profit organization in Vermont, recently announced that
Ross Almo, of Mendon, Harrison Keyes, a student at the University
of Vermont, and Norm Staunton, of Colchester, are the 2012
recipients of the organization's annual Jim Hutchinson Volunteer of
the Year Award.
"These three volunteers exemplify what Jim Hutchinson stood for
when it comes to being a volunteer," said Executive Director Erin
Fernandez. "They tirelessly offered their time and talent to the
organization throughout the year and all three truly stood apart
with their willingness to learn and execute many aspects of our
programs."
The Jim Hutchinson Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award honors
the exemplary efforts outstanding individuals. Jim Hutchinson
embodied the meaning of volunteer with his tireless dedication,
strong leadership and big heart. Each year individuals are
nominated for the annual volunteer of the year award in his honor
and names are added to a memorial plaque hanging at each program
location.
Almo, despite his own personal and business hardships as a
result of Tropical Storm Irene, lent outstanding support to the
organization and staff during Irene Recovery, where the Pico
program location sustained approximately $10,000 worth of damage.
He hosted a housewarming fundraising party, attended the Hartford
Ski Spectacular in Colorado to continue his education in adaptive
snow sports and continues to bring many resources with him to the
organization as a volunteer including his good nature, community
involvement, awareness, and knack for getting things done. He also
is involved in summer programming and special events throughout the
year, showing his year-round dedication and devotion to helping
others.
Keyes is the president and leader of the UVM Adaptive Sports
Club, where he has taken the club to new heights and increased
interest and commitment of the student participants, exceeding all
of Vermont Adaptive's expectations. He rallied large groups of
student volunteers to assist in daily lessons, special events and
fundraisers. The pinnacle of Keye's work came last season when he
spear-headed a grant application to the Newman's Foundation on
behalf of the UVM Club and Vermont Adaptive that ultimately led to
a $10,000 award which is being used for sit down equipment as well
as training.
Staunton has been involved in adaptive sports for over a decade
at varying programs throughout New England. He has his masters
degree in Adventure Education and 12 years of experience teaching
adaptive skiing He has been a volunteer with Vermont
Adaptive for many years and brings a depth of knowledge from the
volunteer perspective. In addition to his volunteerism, he is not
only a full-time student, but is employed full-time as well. He is
an important resource and knowledgeable on equipment, safety, and
teaching techniques. Staunton was involved in the Irene recovery at
Pico as well, repairing damaged equipment that needed immediate
attention. He also is one of the race coaches for the Vermont
Adaptive alpine team and is responsible for setting the race course
each Sunday, planning activities for racers and organizing all race
functions. He passion for adaptive sports and for helping others is
like non-other.
For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.
