Alaska's indominable afterschool and summer learning educators are our heroes without the capes! These superheroes go the distance to support, nurture, and grow the young people of their communities. These educators build and support relationships through kindness and passion, inspire learning, and uplift the young people and the community in which they serve.
The Alaska Afterschool Network is thrilled to recognize six outstanding afterschool professionals who act as everyday superheroes in our youths’ lives during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 24 - 28, 2023. These six Afterschool Superheroes inspired children and youth to reach for greatness. Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment and passion for our youth!
Meghan Boltz
Program Coordinator
Camp Fire Alaska
For the last 18 years, Meghan has prioritized safety within her Camp Fire programs in Eagle River. Whether it is physical or emotional safety, Meghan has created environments in programs where every child, family and staff member feels secure, listened to, and valued. Her empathetic, caring, and strategic mindset has allowed her and her teams to continue to grow and thrive at Camp Fire Alaska.
Meghan is a superhero for those who have a hard time expressing their needs or are trying to find a safe place where they can be their true selves. Meghan advocates for, supports, and guides youth and families through challenging conversations and situations and prioritizes youth above all.
Nominated by: Nichole Boyden, School-Age Program Director; Camp Fire Alaska
Chris Etzwiler
Posthumously Awarded
Site Coordinator
STEAM Team and CHILL Time, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Chris brought creativity, joy, and a relentless commitment to education in afterschool. The Alaska Afterschool Network sends our condolences to his family, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, and all of the children and youth impacted by his outstanding care and passion.
Chris’ dedication shone throughout COVID as he led (with his characteristic calm) the Project GRAD Afterschool team’s reset and redesigned programming to creatively deliver meaningful services to Kenai Peninsula communities. As one colleague put it: “Being in Chris' presence was an instant breath of fresh air, as his demeanor invited a sense of possibility and peace. Not one to get too worked up, he responded to challenges with positivity mixed with a healthy dose of reality.”
Chris was a mentor to his colleagues and a role model to his students. Even while battling Stage IV cancer, he remained involved and concerned about Project GRAD’s programming, students, and colleagues. Chris’ compassion and selflessness continues to inspire Project GRAD staff every day. They are honored to have worked with and learned from him.
Nominated by: Jane Beck, Executive Director; Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula
Karina Marette
Academic Coach
CHILL Time, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Karina is a superhero in her afterschool program and the community of Homer overall. Karina prioritizes building positive relationships with her students, spending time each session to connect, reflect, and build community. Serving in two different schools/villages, Karina is mindful to use culturally-informed approaches to provide unique offerings for each program. This care for her students creates an atmosphere of belonging and joy in her programs.
Karina continues to build connections outside of the program day, connecting with families to share celebrations; many of those conversations filled with laughter and positive youth recognition. You can also find Karina attending youth volleyball or basketball games because she believes her role of support is not limited to afterschool programming. Outside of her afterschool role, Karina coaches and organizes a youth hockey league, inspiring youth to take a risk and try a new sport.
Karina puts her all into the CHILL program by researching, planning, and delivering personalized projects that excite kids every week. Her unique combination of creativity, organization, humor, and work ethic is a true inspiration to all.
Nominated by: Shellie Worsfold, Academic Coach; Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula
Cindy Tapia-Ruiz
Director
Trailside Discovery Camp, The Alaska Center Education Fund
Cindy always puts youth first, going above and beyond to find opportunities to serve as many youth as possible at Trailside Discovery Center. In the last three years, Cindy has opened an additional Trailside site, expanding access to summer and winter programs for hundreds of youth in Eagle River. To reduce barriers, Cindy launched a scholarship and a transportation program so that all youth can have access to safe, educational, quality programming. Cindy’s innovation and passion for afterschool and youth education is an asset to Trailside and the entire community!
Nominated by: Vicki Long-Leather, Co-Executive Director; The Alaska Center Education Fund
Jennifer Wienke
Program Development Coordinator
21st Century Community Learning Centers, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Jennifer sees out-of-school time as the place where youths' futures are shaped and changed for good. If such a space does not exist, she will create it. Jennifer works closely with 120 certified staff, support staff, and student workers at Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FBNSBSD). Spearheading the School-Aged Program Quality process for FNSBSD, Jennifer provides training, support, resources, time, and opportunities to staff to learn new ways to provide quality programs to students in Interior Alaska.
As one colleague put it: “It's rare that you find a professional who can couple the hard stuff with comedy and grace, but similar to the way she works with students in the district and in her performing company, Jennifer supports the whole profession by leading team members through the hard situations while respecting the social and emotional needs of team members”. Jennifer is a true asset to the FNSBSD, the interior, and our state.
Nominated by: Courtney Havrilek (2017 Afterschool Superhero) Lead Afterschool Coordinator - Lathrop After the Bell, Lindsy Weaver, Director of 21st CCLC After School Programs, and Alicia Sundberg, Afterschool Program Coordinator, of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Becky Turland
Community Wellness Specialist
Community of Petersburg
Becky Turland serves youth in a multitude of ways. You can find her advocating for a healthier and stronger community through her service on the SHARE Coalition and Petersburg Borough Childcare Task Force, serving her community through her leadership on community boards, and coaching the Petersburg City School District’s cheerleading squad, Petersburg Little League, or Devil's Thumb Shooters. Becky is committed to doing the "hard work" but isn't afraid to let loose and laugh with the kids.
One colleague commented: “Becky is consistently present in the lives of youth. She creates a safe space around her, and kids trust that they can go to her, her co-workers know they can go to her. She literally does it all here in Petersburg for youth, to help create strong families. She is always trying to do the next right thing for kids. Becky is a true role model in every aspect of the word. She is a compassionate, empathetic, force of goodness within our community”
Nominated by: Katie Holmlund (2022 Afterschool Superhero) Youth Program Coordinator; Petersburg Medical Center