Heidi Vanderhoof, director of the Essex Special Skaters, which is affi liated with the Special Olympics and based in West Orange, New Jersey, was one of four fi nal- ists for the Prudential Center’s Key to Our
House contest. The contest recognizes individ- uals who have been a catalyst for a cause that meets basic human needs or enriches the lives of others; exhibits dedication and selfl essness; has made a special and signifi cant impact on individuals, families or the community; and has gone above and beyond to serve and inspire others. Essex Special Skaters is a therapeutic ice skating program for special-needs athletes, with weekly skating sessions from September to June, that trains them for the Special Olympics and an annual show. More than 100 participants and volunteers have worked with the program since Vanderhoof took over. She has been able to se- cure the means to support the program through grants, fundraisers, free ice time donated by Essex County at Richard J. Codey Arena, com- plimentary U.S. Figure Skating memberships, free admission to sessions provided and taught by the Essex Skating Club, and donations in the form of skates, costumes, music for other skaters and thousands of dollars that go toward private lessons during the off season for the program’s more experienced skaters. Sharon Romano, who has led a personal crusade to combat childhood cancer, was recognized as the winner on April 9.
Edwin Cossitt is recipient of LeeAnn Miele Award
Longtime judge and team offi cial Edwin Cossitt is the recipient of the annual Lee- Ann Miele Spirit of Skating Award.
The Spirit of Skating Award was created in 2002 to honor the memory of LeeAnn Miele of Narragansett, Rhode Island, an international synchronized skating judge who helped to popularize synchronized skating in the United States. It’s given to an individual who contributes to all levels of the sport, has a willingness to judge tests and competitions, and works with judges, skaters, parents and coaches in the best in- terest of fi gure skating.
Upon moving to New York for his career in architecture, Cossitt joined The Skating Club of New York. He then embarked on his judging sojourn, a journey that he calls a meaningful part of his life.
He progressed up the ladder, judging re- gional, sectional and U.S. Championships. Due to his professionalism and skating acuity, he was chosen as team leader for in- ternational- and World-level competitions.
“I have received gratifi cation and fulfi ll- ment from my involvement with the sport of fi gure skating,” Cossitt said. “I can hon- estly say that I do not have a memory of life without fi gure skating, for which I will always be eternally grateful.”
He began skating as a 6-year-old in Cana- da. At the age of 8, he started testing and earned gold medals in fi gures and free skating. His skating career then surged with pairs skating, as he and his partner moved on to the junior and senior Canadi- an Championship levels. Once he complet- ed his competitive career, he was encour- aged to judge.
“It would not be an understatement to say that fi gure skating has done more for me than I have given back to it,” Cossitt said. “It will always be an important part of my life and I look forward to many more years of that personal satisfaction.”
SKATING 55
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