Vaughn Crayton, an engineering assistant in Physical Plant and Salvation
Army Captains Stephen and Betzann Carroll received the 1995 MIT
President's Award for Community Service at a ceremony last week at the
home of President and Mrs. Charles M. Vest. The President's Award,
inaugurated in 1994, is given to MIT employees and local volunteers in
recognition of their volunteer and leadership activities in the
Cambridge community.
For the past 16 years, Mr. Crayton has served more than 900
Cambridge youths as coach and referee in the Cambridge Youth Soccer
League, and most recently, as a coach in the Cambridge Pop Warner
Football League. During each fall and spring season, he devotes many
hours to supporting healthy recreational opportunities for neighborhood
children in Cambridge. Mr. Crayton is a resident of North Cambridge who
has worked at MIT for nine years. His coaching began with his daughter's
youth soccer team and culminated this season with his C-team (10- to 12-
year-olds) becoming Boston League champions.
City Councilor Anthony Galluccio introduced Mr. Crayton, saying
"when the Pop Warner program needed a new facility, Vaughn came in with
plans he drafted himself on his own time. He's an excellent role model
for these kids."
"Cambridge is a better place for our children because of Vaughn
Crayton. Our young people need strong teachers, counselors, and coaches
to look up to today more than ever," President Vest said.
The Carrolls--a husband and wife team--have dedicated a lifetime of
service to the Salvation Army. Together they have 33 years of experience
as captains in the Salvation Army, and since 1991, have served as core
officers for the Cambridge chapter. Under their guidance and leadership,
the Cambridge Salvation Army serves 196,000 meals each year; provides a
day care center aiding over 100 homeless children annually; operates a
men's shelter with 50 beds; a seniors program and a medical clinic, and
assists 200 people daily at a drop-in center.
The Carrolls were presented by Cambridge Mayor Kenneth Reeves, who
pointed out that the Salvation Army shelter, unlike most, assists the
homeless of Cambridge 24 hours a day. At other shelters residents must
leave in the morning and can't return until six or seven at night.
"This is the season when everyone becomes aware of the Salvation
Army's work through their bell-ringing appeals, but this award
recognizes the Salvation Army's work through all seasons," President
Vest said.
"It is fitting that MIT formally recognize outstanding service to
the Cambridge community. After all, MIT as an institution is a citizen
of Cambridge, as are many of our faculty and staff, some of our alumni
and most of our students," Dr. Vest concluded.
About 125 members of the MIT and Cambridge communities attended the
award reception, including City Councilor Frank Duehay, School
Superintendent Mary Lou McGrath and State Representative Paul Demakis.
The yearly reception is arranged by MIT's Office of Government and
Community Relations.
