The Humanitarian Awards ceremony is sponsored by the Hardwick Kiwanis Club, which puts out a call every year for organizations in Hardwick to honor someone who goes the extra mile for their community, either as a volunteer or an employee. This year nine area residents were recognized, including two people near and dear to CAE. 

We are delighted to share that Reeve Basom, CAE’s Place-Based Education Coordinator, received an award. She was nominated by the Civic Standard and presented with the award by Rose Friedman. We are also pleased to share that CAE nominated Vaiva Velzis for the Humanitarian Award. Vavia is the Community School Coordinator at Hazen Union School, and works closely with Reeve in Place-Based Education. 

Below are the speeches that share the talents and skills, and heart that lead to this community-wide recognition. We are so lucky to have them both as part of the CAE and Hardwick area community. 

Reeve Basom 

The Civic Standard is delighted to give this humanitarian award to Reeve Basom because:
She relentlessly and single-handedly networks for youth in ways that are small but essential.
And she shows up and shows up and shows up.
And is Unconditionally patient and loving.
And demonstrates an unwavering commitment to all youth.
And says to everyone: “come as you are”, but really means it.

Reeve is a humanitarian because:
She celebrates all the big and tiny things that people make and do.
Because she makes tiny things feel big.
Because she celebrates a kid getting into college the same way she celebrates somebody perfecting their grandma‘s cookie recipe
Because she doesn’t over complicate connection.
Hardwick is lucky to have someone who has made it her job to bring people together around the 
universal experience of food
And to bring her little grill to cook shish-kebabs in the snow outside of Hazen.
And to plant flowers in front of the Hazen greenhouse so it looks pretty in case any kids come around in the summer time
And to be known by all the kids in the district because of cider and magic beans
And to be a trusted adult for kids and adults, too, because we all need a trusted adult.
We are lucky to have Reeve on our team because she reminds us that there is only one team, and we are all on it.
-Rose Friedman

Vavia Velzis

Vaiva Velzis is the Community School Coordinator at Hazen Union School. Vaiva is an organizer, educator, poet, and sound artist, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. Now in their second year as Hazen Union's Community School Coordinator, Vaiva draws on experience in harm reduction, mental health advocacy, and holistic student care. Vaiva is an exceptional partner for CAE’s work in Place-based Education and at Atkins Field on creating community and building relationships that make us all more resilient as a community. Vaiva brings positive energy to every endeavor. CAE is partnering with Vaiva on two winter markets at Hazen with wellness activities, and on parallel substance use disorder prevention projects to support new activities and leadership opportunities for youth. Vaiva also volunteers with the Civic Standard. Grounded in a love for myth, play, and the more-than-human world, Vaiva seeks to bring joy, curiosity, and imagination into all they do. They are currently building a cabin with their partner in the woods of Walden.

  Bethany Dunbar, CAE’s Community Programs Manager,  read this speech at the ceremony