October 21, 1968 – November 27, 2012
From the Heart of his Oldest Daughter, Sarah
The Jeff Baurer GHS Scholarship is created in memory of my father, who passed away in November of 2012 from a cerebral hemorrhage. I am so proud that my dad’s legacy will live on through this scholarship, which represents the qualities he hoped to inspire in all young people: community service, extracurricular involvement and putting forth one’s best efforts.
My dad did everything for my mom, my two little sisters and me. He was involved in all of our activities whether sports, dance, theater or music. My dad was a sports enthusiast. He first became my coach for my first grade soccer team. He also coached multiple years of my fast pitch travel softball teams. Whether a coach or a spectator, he was every player’s biggest cheerleader. He never wanted to develop one player into a star, but help each player to succeed. His primary goal was for every player to end the season a better player than when they began. He wanted our team to succeed, but he never wanted our success to be measured by the number of medals or trophies that were won. We could lose by the run rule, but he always found something to celebrate, the child who got on base for the first time, the one outstanding catch in center field, or our unsuccessful attempt at a double play. He was devoted to helping us develop skills, but also to teaching us good sportsmanship and respect on and off the field. He had an incredible whistle and a loud, booming voice that could be heard by everyone across any soccer field or softball diamond, but he never used that voice in a negative way but only to encourage. It is my sincere hope that my dad knows the number of young people who were truly inspired by his example and his coaching, and who love him almost as much as I do.
For my sisters and me he has always been our most enthusiastic supporter and greatest source of encouragement. It was never about winning or receiving the highest grade, but about doing our best and always giving 100 percent. Each summer of his high school years, he was in charge of the softball program for the Peoria Girls Sports League. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bradley University while working full-time for my grandfather’s furniture store. It is this work ethic that he hoped to inspire in the three of us.
However, I believe my dad’s greatest passion was for all young people to give back. He always said it was easier to make a monetary donation no matter how big or small, than to give the gift of time. He wanted us to contribute time and appreciate the needs of others not so fortunate as ourselves. During a snowstorm my dad loved to get outside with his giant snow blower plowing the driveways of neighbors up and down the street and even clearing the sidewalk up to the high school. My dad was a blood donor from a very young age. As the universal donor with a rather rare blood type, he would frequently donate too often, just to help others. My dad’s most generous and final gift was that of an organ donor. His gift of hope through organ and tissue donation has changed the lives of more than 58 people.
My dad knew no strangers. He treated every child as his own. My dad could never say no. It didn’t matter what was asked of him, he was willing to help anyone. He made every child feel special. He taught us that the simplest gesture or smallest act of kindness could change a life. His smile could change the mood of an entire room. He had a strong personality but the heart of a child. I truly think that helping young people was his passion. My dad had a heart of gold, and the student that receives this scholarship should understand the impact my father has had on all those he met. Jeff Baurer left an imprint on the heart of everyone he knew.
Sarah J. Baurer
GHS Class of 2016 | February 21, 2013
