Alaska's 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 five outstanding afterschool professionals who act as everyday superheroes in our youths’ lives during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 22-26, 2024. These five Afterschool Superheroes inspired children and youth to reach for greatness. Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment and passion for our youth!
Madeline Emmi
Youth 360 Club Manager Houston Middle/High, United Way of Mat-Su - Youth 360, Houston, AK
Madeline is an exceptionally kind, warm, honest, and trustworthy individual whose superhero qualities shine through in her interactions with everyone she encounters. From students and parents to school personnel, coworkers, and friends, Madeline receives praise for her openness, consistency, and willingness to foster a fun and accepting environment. She has a remarkable ability to connect with students of diverse interests, backgrounds, and ages, setting clear expectations while maintaining rapport and trust.
Since taking over the Houston program, Madeline has overseen significant growth, expanding to a new site, tripling participation numbers, and enhancing community visibility. Students consistently cite her as the highlight of the program, and she has built strong relationships with hundreds of students across different school campuses. Even during transitions such as the split between Houston Middle and High School, Madeline successfully navigated challenges and adapted the program to accommodate the changing environment.
Madeline’s leadership extends to empowering staff members to take ownership of the program and contribute their skills and interests. She has also initiated successful initiatives like the lunch club at Houston High School, promoting academic achievement and socialization in a smaller setting. Madeline's dedication and impact make her a superhero in the eyes of all who benefit from her presence at the Houston program.
Nominated by: Tyler Healy, Director; Youth 360
Eric Heil
Health & PE Teacher at GMVS, Dept. Chair, Head Coach Track & Field, Head Coach Cross-Country Skiing, Assistant Running Coach, & Assistant Volleyball Coach, Goldenview Middle School, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, AK
Eric is known for his kindness, positivity, and dedication to his students. Over the course of 30 years, he has coached multiple sports annually while actively participating in his own athletic pursuits. Currently serving as the head Cross-Country Ski Coach, head Track & Field Coach, and assistant coach for both cross-country running and volleyball, Eric's commitment to youth activities extends throughout his teaching career.
In addition to his coaching roles, Eric has taken on leadership positions such as serving as the Health and Physical Education department chair and contributing to various committees committed to fostering a healthy community in Anchorage. Despite his demanding schedule, Eric's genuine care and patience towards everyone he encounters shine through. He is praised for his tireless efforts in teaching and coaching, often going above and beyond the typical workday hours to ensure the well-being and success of his students.
It's evident that his motivation stems from a genuine passion for sports and a desire to provide opportunities for his students to lead healthy lifestyles. Eric's selfless commitment and genuine love for his work make him stand out as a true role model in his community.
Nominated by: Steve Thompson, Coach; Anchorage School District
Shellie Worsfold
Site Coordinator for PYDAP CHILL program, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, CHILL Program at Chapman, Razdolna, Voznesenka, Homer, AK
Shellie is characterized by her exceptional organizational skills and her ability to orchestrate projects and activities from inception to completion. She ensures that learning objectives are clearly defined, necessary supplies are gathered, procedures are well-communicated, and appropriate supports are in place for student success. Under her guidance, the programming offered are engaging, foster academic vocabulary, encourage teamwork, include frustration management, and a sense of responsibility for learning environments, all while ensuring a fun experience for students.
Shellie’s compassion for handling challenging situations are evident in her interactions with students. She holds them accountable for their actions while providing them with understanding and guidance on emotional regulation techniques. Her approach has not only positively impacted the individual student but also set an example for others within the program, demonstrating the importance of boundaries and accountability in fostering a positive learning environment.
In her role as Site Coordinator, Shellie utilizes her skills and teaching experience to support afterschool staff in enhancing their professional skills. Through her mentorship and role modeling, program quality across all sites continues to improve, providing enriching learning experiences for attending youth.
Shellie’s recent collaborations with the University of Fairbanks EPSCoR program exemplifies her dedication to providing opportunities for students. Her meticulous planning and logistical coordination enabled a group of afterschool students to participate in the Science Olympiad Competition, inspiring and empowering them in the field of STEM. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all involved, demonstrating her invaluable contribution to the program.
Nominated by: Jane Beck, Executive Director; Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula & Aidan McMurrer, Academic Coach; Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula
Victoria Merritt
Retired AfterSchool Manager, Youth Center and Gym Manger, The City of Craig Parks and Recreation, Craig Youth Center, Craig, AK
Victoria dedicated 20 years to managing the Craig Youth Center Program, guiding countless children towards successful adulthood. She always made sure her students had necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, alongside fostering their active engagement and inspiration. She tailored programs to meet the diverse needs of Kindergarten through 12th-grade students, incorporating various learning, reading, and activity levels. Victoria's approach encompassed reading programs, science, math, and the holistic development of children through the six components of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental aspects.
Many of the children Victoria taught through the afterschool program have now grown into adults with families of their own. Despite retiring, Victoria remains an integral part of the community, offering advice and support whenever needed. Her afterschool initiatives ranged from providing nutritious meals and organizing enriching field trips to instilling important life lessons about behavior and mutual respect. Through her encouragement, Victoria empowered the youth, allowing them to shine and grow.
Nominated by: Gretchen Klein, Recreation Director; City of Craig Parks and Recreation
Elizabeth Castillo
Army Child and Youth Services Program Assistant / Teacher, Fort Wainwright Child and Youth Services
Fairbanks, AK
Elizabeth is an exemplary figure in the afterschool program, embodying the essence of an afterschool superhero. She works with students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, demonstrating dedication and innovation in her lesson plans. Elizabeth goes above and beyond by creating an engaging classroom environment, which includes activities like mental health appreciation sessions, Spa week with homemade facial scrubs, and teaching sewing skills for creating clothing. She also extends her support to the staff by providing mentorship and boosting morale.
We wish to recognize Elizabeth for her outstanding contributions to both students and staff. Elizabeth has established a nurturing environment within the afterschool classroom, fostering a sense of community and instilling values such as respect, following directions, and friendship among the students. She encourages participation in sewing projects and art, even nominating entries for local fairs, and actively involves families in attending these events. She is a strong advocate for youth mental health and centers her lessons on self-care, leading to improved well-being as students engage in open dialogue and wellness activities throughout the month. Elizabeth's unwavering dedication makes her a shining light within the program.
Nominated by: Jamie Kuhn, Assistant Director of Child Care; Fort Wainwright Child and Youth Center