Senior School Volunteer Honored As A Community Champion By Molina Healthcare

Angela Blaylock, Manager of Community Outreach, Molina Healthcare of Florida; Minister Roger Richardson, Grant Recipient-Church of the Palms; Fred Rosene (front), winner (Boynton Beach); David Pollack, President, Molina Healthcare of Florida

Molina Healthcare of Florida recently recognized six unsung heroes at its first annual Community Champions Awards dinner, which was held in Tampa.  One of the winners was 79-year-old retired scientist and Crosspointe Elementary School volunteer Fred Rosene, who won the Volunteer Award. 

Being in a wheelchair has not hindered Mr. Rosene from volunteering and working with kids for nearly 20 years for the School District and Crosspointe Elementary School in Boynton Beach.  The retired scientist spends hours every day with students, providing tutoring in math and science, correcting papers, developing educational games and creating projects that can be used in the classrooms.  In addition, he tutors neighborhood kids who are struggling in school.  He also sponsored a chess club, got involved with the science club, joined the school’s PTA and started an evening computer class for students’ parents and families.  From time to time, he has even opened his own home to families who didn’t have a place to stay.

“Fred is truly such a generous and compassionate person,” said David Pollack, president of Molina Healthcare of Florida.  “Not only has he been volunteering at the school for years, but he’s also been contributing his own money so that students could go on class trips to Washington DC when they couldn’t afford it.  He’s made such a positive impact on these kids and their families.  It’s incredible.” 

Established to honor the memory of Dr. Molina, the Molina Community Champions program spotlights the good deeds of everyday heroes in their communities.  The 2010 winners were recognized in several categories: education, faith-based organization, support group/service club, healthcare professional and volunteer.  Each winner also received a $1000 grant to give to a deserving nonprofit organization as part of his/her award.