Awards & Recognition
Alaska Afterschool Champion
The Alaska Afterschool Champion Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure access to high-quality afterschool programing. This individual exemplifies extraordinary dedication to our field and was selected by the Alaska Afterschool Conference Planning Committee.
2016 Alaska Afterschool Champion: Barb Dubovich
Barb Dubovich began her career as an elementary school teacher in rural Alaska. Just 35 short years ago she started at Camp Fire Alaska as a site director at one of the first afterschool programs the agency offered. Barb spent more than 20 years growing Camp Fire’s programs and has for the last 13 years provided leadership as the agency’s CEO.
She holds a Master of Arts in Education, with a concentration in youth development, and is a recognized YWCA Woman of Achievement. In past years, she served on the National Afterschool Alliance Board of Directors and has held both local and national leadership professional roles. As a strong advocate and voice for children and their families in Alaska, she has worked passionately to ensure all youth have access to nurturing and supportive out-of-school time environments.
2016 Alaska Afterschool Champion: Kevin Ritchie
Bio coming soon.
Afterschool Superheroes
The Afterschool Superheroes Award recognizes outstanding afterschool professionals who step forward every day to help children in need, support academic growth, provide healthy snacks and meals, and serve as role models.
2017 Afterschool Superheroes
Tracey Hupe | Club Manager at Boys & Girls Club of Eagle River, Eagle River
Missy Odsather | Afterschool Program Coordinator at Barnette Magnet School, Fairbanks
Janice Hadley | Onsite Coordinator at SERRC 21st Century Community Learning Center, Kotzebue
Thomas Burek | Executive Director at Trailside Discovery, Anchorage
Courtney Havrilek | Lead Afterschool Coordinator at Lathrop High School, Fairbanks
Click here to read more about each individual Afterschool Superhero.