The hands of a humanitarian

Local teacher honored for community service

By Ed Nadolski

Editor in Chief

Speaking to an audience of appreciative community leaders Monday, Troy Everson relayed a lesson his father taught him before he embarked on a career as a public school teacher in Burlington more than 20 years ago.

His father, Larry, asked him to take a long look at his hands and then told him those hands could be used to lift people up or beat them down.

With the memory of his late father lingering like a guardian angel on Monday, Everson said he’s done his best to honor his father and use his hands for good.

If his record as a teacher, rescue squad member and community theater leader are any indication, the lesson of the father grew in the fertile soil that is his son.

Hailed as an inspiring teacher, a selfless community servant and an empowering live theater director, Everson was honored with the Humanitarian Award Monday by the Rotary Club of Burlington.

The award was presented during a ceremony at Veterans Terrace as part of the club’s John B. Moe Annual Burlington Rescue Squad meeting and Humanitarian Award banquet.

“Troy truly believes that every child needs a champion – someone who not only holds them accountable for their words and actions, but who also stands by their side on their unloveable days,” said Beth Reetz, who has worked with Everson on numerous school and community theater productions. “He knows that a few gentle words, an arm around the shoulder, and a meaningful ‘I’m really proud of you’ are simple ways in which he can let a student know that they matter and are important.”

Reetz was among three primary speakers who painted a picture of a man who combines intelligence with enthusiasm and compassion to serve his students, the community and, by extension, the world.

“The beauty of his inspiration is the way in which it creates a ripple effect as his thousands of students go out into the world and pay forward the lessons that they have learned from Mr. E,” Reetz said.

Everson’s contributions go far beyond the classroom, according to Rescue Squad Chief Brian Zwiebel.

In addition to achieving Gold Badge status as a squad member with more than 20 years service, Everson is the pioneer and driving force behind BHS1, a cooperative training program for students at Burlington High School that puts them on track to become emergency medical technicians.

Zwiebel said Everson saw the solution to the all-volunteer service’s recruitment challenge in the high school students who were hungry for a higher level of medical training.

With just 20 regular members answering an average of more than 1,000 calls per year, Zwiebel said, the addition of squad members who have come up through the BHS1 program has been a Godsend.

“Troy is the reason we have BHS1. This is his baby,” Zwiebel said. “Troy is the push behind the program and continues to push for the kids who could be our future doctors, nurses, etc.

“Without Troy there would not be a BHS1 program.”

Burlington High School Principal Eric Burling said Everson has gone well above and beyond what most teachers bring to the community.

In addition to his work with BHS1 and the district’s drama department, Everson has forged cooperative partnerships with Aurora Health Care and Rosalind Franklin Medical School in Chicago to create hands-on learning opportunities.

He also is the driving force behind the school’s participation in the Forever Changed program ­– an annual mock crash featuring actual emergency responders that is intended to poignantly illustrate the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

“If you take the time to talk to anyone who has succeeded in the game of life most likely they’ll tell you about a teacher who inspired them,” Burling said. “They will mention the values they learned and the encouragement they received to ask questions and explore new ideas.

“Burlington High School has been blessed to have Troy Everson around to be that ‘somebody’ to many of our students.”

Contacted by email Tuesday, Everson said he was honored and humbled to win the award. He then used the platform to encourage others.

“I do believe there are far more people out there who are much more deserving of such an honor than me,” he wrote. “My sincerest wish is that all people, no matter where you are in life, find your gifts, talents and life-mission. When you’ve found these go forward, unapologetically.

“The rewards you receive back are immeasurable.”

Here’s the video tribute honoring Everson that was produced by WIN Media for Monday’s presentation: