Often much is made and memorialized about the impact an individual has made on a community through a lifetime of dedication. Usually it is tied to that person’s employment or vocation. Too often it is misdirected at a sports hero or political figure.

But today we get to acknowledge and remember a humble man for his decades of giving specifically to our Butler County youth, but also to those same children’s families.

Gordon Cavalero a 1964 graduate of Butler High School passed away this week. He was known in Butler for his photography studio, and many people will remember him for his work at weddings and for annual school photos.

But hundreds of children as young as 7 and through their late teens will best think of him as the primary factor for youth theater in Butler County. Gordon touched the lives of so many Butler County children in a way that few others ever could.

Gordon was the Summer Dramatics Program in Butler. Others came and went over the years, but Summer Dramatics was Gordon’s baby.

There are a number of youth who got their first roles, either minor or lead roles, under his direction. Others got their first taste of helping to direct, build sets, or participate in any other capacity from Gordon.

Many of the young people were not only new to theater, but were also shy, reserved, and just unsure of where to fit in. Gordon had a gift for working with all of the children whether the talent level was someone bound for New York stardom or hoping to someday grace the stage of their high school musical.

Some very talented young people, who were lost or unrecognized in the bigger schools, found success and their “lucky” break with Gordon and Summer Dramatics.

His soft approach and consistent leadership boosted the confidence of every kid under his tutelage, and they learned, more than anything else, that theater was fun.

We have printed many accolades for teachers, coaches and others, but we can’t overstate the role this one common, humble man played on the most important of all stages: the stage of life for our children.

Thank you, Gordon, and when you take your front row seat for opening night of “Grease” next weekend from that heavenly view, may you know the appreciation those children and all the others whom performed because you cared feel for you.

Break-a-leg, Gordon, and reap those blessings you so deserve.

— RV