Heroes, Volunteers, Citizens and Educators Honored at Lions Recognition Night

Heroes, top notch citizens, teachers, and those dedicated to service were all honored Wednesday night at the Easton Lions Club 42nd Annual Recognition Awards Banquet at the Chateau Restaurant in Norton.

For everyone there, it was a celebration of Easton and its residents.

"I want to tip my hat to each one of those who have been selected and who received this recognition tonight," State Senator Tom Kennedy said.

"You will continue to shine as one of the brightest lights in the Metro South region."

In all, 16 Easton residents were recognized by the Lions Club.

The first award was given to Robert M. Greene, who is a volunteer for the Council on Aging and Meals on Wheels, among other groups and charities.

Del Kent, the Director of Easton's Council on Aging, presented the award to Greene.

"Bob is always ready and willing to lend a hand and never hesitates to clear his schedule to help those in need," she said.

Three educators in Easton's school system, and a coach were also recognized.

Kim Krockta, a teacher at Center School, received an Educator of the Year award. Her presenter was principal Debra Dicenso.

"To receive this honor is a surprise and overwhelmingly amazing," she said.

Along with Krickta, Jeanne Baxter, a teacher at the middle school, received an Educator of the Year award. Her award was presented by Principal John Giuggio.

"The most we can hope for is truly the look of pride on a child's face when they accomplish a difficult task," said Baxter when receiving her award.

Laurel Silverman, the School Psychologist at F.L. Olmsted, received the "Career in Education Award" from Principal Gary Mazzola, who said "Laurel is indispensible ad we will greatly miss her."

Also in the school system, OA Baseball Coach Leo Duggan, who was recently inducted into the Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame, received the Outstanding Achievement Award from former player and assistant coach Mike Denson.

Duggan had just arrived from a game against Canton High School in which freshman pitcher Brendan Welch pitched a no-hitter. The win Wednesday was just another example of the winning tradition Duggan has led as head coach.

"We've started something really special in Easton," he said. "We've gone all sorts of places."

Three Easton students received the "Outstanding Youth Award." Robin Loewald, OA's cross country captain and Vice President of Student Council received her award presented by Kristin Marani, an OA teacher and student council advisor.

Nicholas Calabraro also received the award presented by Marani. Calabraro is a member of OA's political group SCOPE and an intern at the Ames Free Library.

Jacob Jennings, a Southeastern Regional environmental student received the award as well, which was presented by Southeastern teacher Tabitha Hobbs.

The Outstanding Volunteer award was presented to 92-year old World War II Veteran Emil "Ike" Osiecki.

Osiecki is a volunteer at My Brother's Keeper. His award was presented by fellow volunteer Beth Sheehan.

"He's a humble guy serving quietly and bragging - unless it is about his kids or his grand kids," she said.

Easton's Heroism Award was given to Nathan Everett, Kenneth Bowman and Michael McGowan and Nathan Everett.

Everett, Bowman and McGowan pulled Easton resident Brian Edlund from a burning vehicle in February in an endeavor that presenter Dr. David Mudd said "showed incredible heroism."

The Group Outstanding Service Award was given to the four people who began the process to save and restore Queset Gardens behind the library.

Katherine "Kath" Holland, James Carlino, Gloria Freitas Steidinger and Paul Steidinger were awarded for their service by presenter Hazel Varella.

The four residents were able to "reclaim the area" that had been lost years ago, Varella said.