Pat Arcand is flanked Friday by Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas and Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington while being honored by the Heroes Among Us program.

From Heroes Among Us, Jan. 9, 2017: Cambridge’s Pat Arcand was honored Jan. 6 as the Celtics faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers, part of the Heroes Among Us program to recognize people who have made exceptional, lasting contributions to their communities. The award has been presented at every Celtics home game since its establishment in 1997.

Arcand’s contribution: As program director the Play Ball! organization, she has dedicated herself to helping disadvantaged middle school students in Boston find purpose and improve academic outcomes through sports. She has been instrumental in providing competitive sports to more than 1,300 athletes in 22 public schools.

When she learned two students were in danger of failing after their families experienced personal hardships, Arcand took on a bigger role and began supporting the two boys directly, according to Heroes Among Us. With Arcand’s help the young men recently graduated high school and became the first in their families to pursue higher education.