Some 200 Springfield children nominated more than 25 men to be Key Players, men who dedicate their time to helping the children reach their full potential and achieve their goals, Topic added.

In addition to the reception at Springfield's Montenia's restaurant Dec. 12 in their honor, the 10 men also were publicly recognized at the Dec. 21 Celtics game in Boston. The UMass men's Basketball team will also honor them on Jan. 10.

The Key Players Project, Topic explained, is a community service learning collaboration that was developed in 2002 by the UMass Isenberg School of Management, the Boston Celtics and members of the Springfield community.

"Every day hundreds of men of color guide and mentor children in the Springfield community, yet they go largely unnoticed for their diligent work," he said. "The mission of the Key Players is to reward and empower these men who are nominated by young people (ages 8 to 24) of Springfield."

While the majority of the men become mentors to youngsters through their volunteer efforts as coaches for city athletic leagues, one honoree was recognized for fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and encouraging young people to express themselves through theatrical performances.

James Lightfoot, a performing arts teacher at the Renaissance School in Springfield originally from Detroit, has worked with youth for the past 12 years. Prior to taking the job at the Renaissance School, he worked at the Dunbar Community Center.

"We have sports galore for young people in the community, but not much in the arts," Lightfoot said. "I'm here to do it."

Although the performing arts are his concentration, Lightfoot does not limit his interaction with youth to that one field, a fact that was highlighted by the youngster who nominated him for the Key Players recognition.

Fifteen-year-old Jordan Akers said "he helps me in both school and sports and helps me with my running skills by running with me."

In introducing Lightfoot to the crowd gathered at Montenia's, Renaissance School Principal Stephen R. Mahoney, of Springfield, referred to the teacher as "a model of humility."

"I've never seen someone more stoked than he was when he was told he was recognized as a Key Player," Mahoney said.

The Rev. Timothy C. Jones lauded Lightfoot for bringing a different component other than sports to mentoring efforts.

"A couple of years ago I was praying to God to help us find something different to get people to come out, and God sent us James."

The true spirit of the Key Players Project, though, was most evident in the UMass students' pursuit of one particular recipient nominated in crayon by a 9-year-old boy who did not know his mentor's name, address or phone number.

Isenberg School of Management Associate Professor Todd Crosset suggested his students select another recipient because the reception was less than one week away, but they balked at that.

"They said, 'No. This is what we're about,' so I ended up with 11 detectives running around the North End," Crosset said.

The running around paid off, and Martin Kelis was found at St. John's Congregational Church at Union and Hancock streets. It is also where Kelis was presented with the honor.

Unable to attend the reception because of his commitment to the church, the UMass students went to the church at 9 that night to formally name Kelis a Key Player.

"I had an extraordinary crew this year," Crosset said of his students and the Key Players. "You can't teach in a classroom what they were taught in this community. You can't even come close."

2009 KEY PLAYERS

The 2009 Key Player Project ambassadors:

- Norman Davey

- Thomas Devane

- Ricky Dixon

- Wesley Jackson

- Martin Kelis

- James Lightfoot

- Felix Rivera

- Bruce Shaw

- Michael Slaughter

- LaVaughn Smith