By Elissa Gorman, Contributing Writer
Southborough – The Southborough Rotary Club recently honored Jeff Beane as this year’s recipient of the “Celebrating Service, Celebrating Southborough” award for his involvement and dedication within the community.
Since 2001, Beane has served as a tennis, track and field, and cross country coach. In addition, he helped coordinate the P. Brent Trottier Middle School ski program, coached Southborough Youth soccer and basketball and has been coaching the Algonquin Regional High School track and field camp for the past 15 years.
“I try to preach to kids not only how to be a better runner or be better at shot put or how to hit a baseball better, but also how to use that discipline in your life as a columnist, as a student, as a racecar driver, as an astronaut,” Beane said. “Whatever you’re doing, try to do the best you can. I believe very strongly in that, so given this platform, I try to encourage young people, support them, and tell them that.”
The award is meant to commemorate community impact, which the Southborough Rotary Club feels that Beane has definitely made.
“Rotary International’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ and we started this ‘Celebrating Service, Celebrating Southborough’ initiative to recognize those in the community who live a life of service, who are people who have made a difference… an unsung hero!” Southborough Rotary Club President David Vachris said.
Former recipient Doreen Ferguson, who runs the Southborough Recreation Center, played a part in selecting this year’s winner.
“I knew immediately who I wanted to choose and it feels good to be able to recognize someone for their hard work and dedication,” Ferguson said.
According to Trottier Principal Keith Lavoie, Beane’s most important role manifests itself in his dedication to the people he works with.
“No matter the level of talent a student has, he will give them his best effort,” Lavoie said. “He makes sure each student is comfortable and feels supported.”
Algonquin senior Andrew Michalik corroborates Beane’s passion towards all of the activities he is involved in. Since first meeting him at a school track camp in third grade, Michalik developed an affinity towards running.
“He was so passionate about [running] that it made me and all my teammates passionate about it too,” Michalik said.
Although his successes within the Recreation Department are prominent, Beane is also on the town’s Capital Budget Planning Committee, Advisory Board, Trails Committee, is a Precinct 2 Polls worker, and serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister in his spare time.
“At his age, I only can hope to have his energy and commitment,” Lavoie said. “He is a true treasure to work with and our students and families are lucky to have him.”
Beane acknowledges the unique opportunity he has to pave the way in students’ lives for greater success down the line.
“I like talking with [young people] not only about the sport itself but how the sport is kind of a microcosm of life,” he said. “I like to think that if you try hard, if you pay attention, if you care about what you’re doing, if you take advantage of your time, if you use your time well, it will pay off.”
As for Beane, he plans to use his time to impact others for as long as possible.
“I’m not sure where the finish line is… but right now, I’m still healthy and I still enjoy it, so I’ll keep doing it,” he said.
