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Wellpoint Celebrates Steve Athas as Hometown Hero

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD —Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, recognized Steve Athas as an honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during a celebration held at Picknelly Field. In partnership with 98.5 the Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of dedication and kindness that strengthen local communities.

For more than 50 years, including 48 years at Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield, Athas has dedicated himself to supporting youth through sports, recreation, and mentorship.

“We are honored to recognize Steve Athas as a hometown hero whose lifelong commitment to supporting and mentoring youth has strengthened the Springfield community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “His decades of dedication have made a lasting impact on young people and families across the city. At Wellpoint, we’re proud to support the whole health of public servants like Steve and honor the role they play in helping communities thrive.”

In addition to his work with the Springfield Parks Department, Athas spent 35 years in Springfield Public Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. His lasting impact has earned him recognition in the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2024, the city of Springfield honored him by naming a street after him.

“Simply put, Steve/Coach has helped out thousands of youths to believe and achieve, both on and off the field — he’s always gone the extra yard,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “He has been a quiet, behind-the-scenes leader, never looking for any accolades. Steve has coached, organized, and mentored thousands of Springfield youth. Steve, thank you for your dedication to Springfield’s youth for all these years.”

Tom Ashe, Springfield’s executive director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, added that “Steve has dedicated years to coaching and teaching here in the city of Springfield, and is a great supporter of youth sports and recreation, having organized recreational basketball, baseball, and soccer throughout the city. A well-deserved honor for our hometown hero. Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for what you do.”

Thunderbirds, Wellpoint, Community Partners Bring Back First Line Program

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, Wellpoint, and community partners are teaming up to connect local students and public safety officials through the return of the First Line Program. The initiative, sponsored by Wellpoint and revived from the 2017-18 season, pairs Springfield Public Schools students with Springfield and Hampden County public safety officials for an unforgettable night of hockey, mentorship, and community pride.

“Re-establishing the First Line Program was deeply important to our organization as we continue to strive to be pillars of this community,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “This initiative creates meaningful connections between local youth and public safety officials, helping to build trust, inspire dialogue, and strengthen relationships that make Western Massachusetts a better, safer place for everyone.”

Seven students and teachers from Kiley Prep Middle School attended the program kickoff at the Nov. 7 Thunderbirds game, where each student was paired with a Springfield police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. The event celebrated community connection, with participants enjoying food, conversation, and hometown pride as they watched the Thunderbirds face the Bridgeport Islanders.

“We aim to empower every individual we serve with the resources and support they need to thrive,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “The First Line Program does exactly that. By bringing students together with public safety leaders and community partners through sports, we’re enabling young people to grow and thrive.”

The First Line Program will continue throughout the Thunderbirds’ 2025-26 season, with students and educators from schools across Springfield joining in future games.

“At Springfield Public Schools, we believe that one of the cornerstones of a strong community is shared purpose,” Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said. “The First Line Program reminds our students that they are valued and supported by the people who protect and serve them every day. We are deeply grateful to the Springfield Thunderbirds and Wellpoint for creating this opportunity. When young people and public safety officials come together in positive ways, it fosters compassion and trust — values that make our city stronger.”