Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, the last full week of April each year, is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. “An estimated 850,000 professionals work with children and youth during out-of-school hours providing enriching experiences,” according to the National Afterschool Association.
The Idaho Out-of-School Network (ION) has selected the following Afterschool Champions to represent our great state:
1. Adeline Smith – Growing the STEM, Kootenai County
2. Sherry Scheline – Donnelly Public Library, Valley County
3. Jessica Gordon – Raptor High, Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey, Ada County
4. Devin Nakano – Y STEM and Chess, Ada County
5. Rebecca Wood – Lincoln County Youth Center, Lincoln County
6. Jake Brasil – Boys & Girls Clubs of Magic Valley, Twin Falls County
7. Jennifer Navarro – Immersion Afterschool Program, Jefferson County
8. Dawn Green – Harwood Elementary Afterschool Program, Jefferson County
These Afterschool Champions went above and beyond for their communities and programs in 2022. Please join us in recognizing their contributions to Idaho’s youth during National Afterschool Professionals Week April 24-28.
The Idaho Out-of-School Network will further recognize these Afterschool Champions at the Idaho Out-of-School Network 2023 Power Up Summit on September 21-22, at JUMP, Boise.
Here is one thing that stands out about each Champion:
- “Adeline was in 4th grade when she started Growing the STEM and is now a 10th grader! What the organization is today is because of her many, many years of hard work and dedication to providing authentic after-school experiences where students grow in confidence and skill while feeling known and connected.” – Charlene Babb, Advanced Learning Program Teacher at the Coeur d’Alene School District.
- “Due to having a very small rural library, Sherry is constantly faced with challenges when it comes to her afterschool program. Most of the children in her community attend her afterschool program, therefore they are forced to hold programing outside (no matter the weather conditions). Among various other examples, Sherry has acquired and erected 2 tepees at her library, to give the kiddos a place to be out of the weather.” – Gina Day, Director at the Parma Public Library.
- “Jessica thrives at recruiting students and can often be found visiting schools across southern Idaho, spreading the word about this opportunity. Jessica created a professional onboarding process which challenges the students to obtain letters of recommendation and participate in a professional interview process. In one case, a student with no prior bird experience enrolled in Raptor High because “it looked interesting”. That student subsequently completed a degree in wildlife biology and is now on The Peregrine Fund’s esteemed bird training staff! It is no understatement to say that the effort Jessica puts into Raptor High can be life altering for young people.” – Tate Mason, Director of the World Center for Birds of Prey.
- “Devin Nakano is changing the lives of young people over chess boards. Born with motor skills limitations, hearing and vision disabilities, and Asperger’s Syndrome, Devin learned to play chess at the age of 12 and his life changed.” – Maureen O’Toole, CEO of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.
- “In August of 2020, an abandoned church came up for sale and Rebecca saw her chance to create the program she’d dreamed of. She formed a team of like-minded, passionate people and convinced the other two county commissioners to pursue the creation of the Lincoln County Youth Center. She started with a three-year plan to make her dream a reality. She got it done in a year!” – Karma Fitzgerald, President of the Lincoln County Youth Commission.
- “His leadership has brought our Twin Falls Club to another level. Our programs are vibrant. Our staff are engaged, and Jake is constantly looking for ways to improve. Jake is a phenomenal leader and advocate for youth.” – Lindsey Westburg, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Magic Valley.
- “Señora Navarro works tirelessly to provide our afterschool participants with authentic experiences that increase their cultural awareness as well as language support. On Tuesdays, she teaches afterschool students how to prepare traditional foods from Latin America which has become a very successful class in our program.” – Omar Ponce, World Language Immersion Coordinator at Jefferson Joint School District.
- “Last year, there were concerns with student behavior from some of our kids, so Mrs. Green researched what other schools do and implemented a behavior contract and a process for behavior plans for kids who need the extra support. She has also developed partnerships with outside agencies that have greatly increased our long-term sustainability. Mrs. Green is always kind, above all else when working with kids and families.” – Don Fryberger, Principal of Harwood Elementary School.
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