SPUT SPIRIT Heroes: Service

“Remember this. Hold on to this. This is the only perfection there is, the perfection of helping others. This is the only thing we can do that has any lasting meaning. This is why we’re here. To make each other feel safe.” 

Andre Agassi

Ernie Greene saw a gift that he was able to give to the community of Saint Paul. As an avid tennis player, he wanted to share his love of the sport with others. While he couldn’t provide all of Saint Paul with tennis racquets and shoes he could give his time, his energy, and his coaching. He served this community by offering free tennis lessons to anyone who wanted to learn. He taught them the rules of the game, when to go down the line vs. cross court, and how to hit a slice serve. However, those skills don’t compare to the life lessons Ernie taught on the court. He made sure all of his players knew the importance of being a good person and being kind to others. 

Ernie created a culture of serving, kindness and community on and off the court. His students are leading all across Saint Paul, making our community stronger every day. One of these students even grew up to become the Mayor of Saint Paul. His students are serving others all across our city and continuing the legacy that Ernie created all those years ago. 

Service is at the core of SPUT, and we set out every day to help the community of St. Paul and create leaders that will continue this culture even after they leave our programs. It’s creating that lasting meaning, that endures, gives, and helps from now and into the future.