Folks who knew Bob Lincoln and are aware of the selflessness he exhibited in and for Londonderry for decades feel strongly about the Robert W. Lincoln Award and what it stands for.
And that’s one major reason why the Lincoln award selection committee takes pride in announcing that Londonderry High School writing teacher Steve Juster.
For many years Steve Juster has served the youth of Londonderry through his work for the Town’s youth recreation programs and as a coach at Londonderry High School. Steve has also been called the “Heartbeat of Lancer Nation” for his efforts in spearheading assemblies to celebrate student success and school spirit. For more than a decade Steve Juster has organized the Pantene Beautiful Lengthens Program for which people will donate a minimum of eight inches of their hair to make wigs, free of charge, for women who are fighting cancer.
The award was presented to Juster at the Londonderry High School spring pep rally on Friday April 20, in the Londonderry High School Gymnasium.
Although he was the Master of Ceremony of the event, and at times was losing his voice, Jsuter was presented the award by fellow English teacher Crystal Rich.
After receiving the plaque he took back the microphone and called to the floor those people who he said made it possible to recognized for the award.
Steve brought in his wife, Elizabeth, who is also an English teacher, his daughters Katie and Kelly, and also had his eighth grade teacher Barbara O’Brien-Miller who he said helped steer him into a career of teaching.
He also called a group of his “Pantene Angels” to share in the moment.
The criteria which are considered for the award include having a nominee who has demonstrated more than 10 years of active service to the community, has been in a position of responsibility during that period, has demonstrated devotion to the youth of the Londonderry, and has demonstrated the spirit of volunteerism.
The Robert W. Lincoln Youth Service Award honors Lincoln, a man who put gave four decades of dedicated volunteer service for the youth of Londonderry. Lincoln served on the Londonderry school board for more than 20 years and also served on the budget committee, chaired various building committees, and was a very active member of the Londonderry Lions Club. He also served as the chair of the Londonderry Fields Task force for over 30 years.
Bob Lincoln passed away in September of 2015, but the mark he left on Londonderry is indelible and he lives on in many ways.
Past recipients of the Lincoln Award are Kay Doyle, Terri Roucheleau, Scott Hale, Mary Theos, Dave Kelly, Ron Campo, John Reynolds, Bob Slater, Gary Fisher, Kevin Foley, Bob Saur, Owen Walton, Rick Brothers and Paul D’Errico.