2026 Alaska Afterschool Superheroes
Behind every child who believes in themselves, there's often someone who believed in them first. For countless young Alaskans, that someone works in afterschool.
The Alaska Afterschool Network is thrilled to announce the 2026 Afterschool Superheroes — five outstanding professionals being honored during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026. These are the people who show up every afternoon and make a lasting difference in young lives across our state.
Chris Osbun
Site Coordinator, Mountain View Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Center Anchorage School District
Chris is someone who goes out of their way to make every student feel special. He spends hours collaborating with his team determining what would be best for the students, what should be done and how to execute support for his students. Chris is deeply committed to building strong relationships not only with students, but with their families as well, earning him a reputation as a cornerstone of the school community.
As one colleague shared, “Chris never stops trying to figure out how to grow his site in a way that is beneficial for his students. This year alone, Chris has redesigned how he previously did snacks, gym time and dismissal time. While the previous system was fantastic, it did not fit student needs. Rather than trying to force students to comply, he restructured and redesigned his process to be able to fit student needs.”
Nominated by: Morgan Berns, Anchorage School District 21st CCLC
Michele Hayman
Chief Operating Officer, Boys & Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula
Michele has served every day at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula (BGCKP) with steady dedication, wisdom, and compassion. Michele leads with both heart and purpose and has an incredible ability to see the bigger picture while also paying attention to the small details that make programs successful and meaningful for youth and staff alike.
What makes Michele extraordinary is the way she supports and uplifts the Site Directors she works with. She provides thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and practical insight that helps each leader grow in their role. Michele understands that strong programs begin with strong leaders, and she invests her time and energy into mentoring others, helping them problem-solve, celebrate successes, and navigate challenges with confidence. Her leadership style is grounded in patience, kindness, and a deep belief in the mission of serving youth.
Michele’s impact also goes beyond program development. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every child who walks through the doors at the Club is safe and supported. Because of her leadership, the Clubs operate more effectively, the staff feel supported, and families know their children are in a safe, caring environment. Her work has strengthened the entire BGCKP community and continues to make a lasting impact on the youth and families across the Kenai Peninsula.
As a colleague shared, “Over the years, Michele built deep connections with the families in that community. There were many times when families were struggling, whether it was with food insecurity, past-due bills, or simply trying to make the holidays special for their children. Michele never looked the other way. Instead, she quietly stepped in and would connect families with local organizations, pull together community resources, and often personally make sure that families had what they needed. For more than 30 years in the afterschool field, Michele has consistently gone above and beyond to support youth and families."
Nominated by: Shanette Wik, Boys and Girls Club of the Kenai Peninsula
Cheyenne Wilson
Site Lead, Dillingham Elementary School 21st Century Community Learning Center, SERRC
As the Site Lead for the SERRC 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) at Dillingham Elementary, Cheyenne plays a vital role in creating a program that uplifts and supports students. She is deeply dedicated to the children in her service area, offering compassion, understanding, and unwavering commitment to every young person she serves. Whether a child is feeling sad, confused, angry, hungry, or frightened, Cheyenne is someone they can rely on for support, comfort, and a sense of safety. She shows up each day with a positive attitude, thoughtful planning, and strong connections to a wide range of services that benefit youth and families.
Cheyenne meets children where they are at. She observes and acts in the best interests of the child. Recently she was assisting with a Cultural Activity when a child was overwhelmed and becoming disruptive. Cheyenne quietly stepped in and provided individual attention and assistance to help the child overcome the challenge and succeed in the experience of the lesson. She did this in a calm and unassuming way that helped the child be seen and understood and to seamlessly transition from frustration and anger to calm and creative.
A colleague shared, “Cheyenne’s commitment and compassion draw youth and educators alike towards her. If something must be done, we can count on Cheyenne- if it's assisting a child with a Cultural Activity or creating a meal for 300 community members for a Family Night Cheyenne won't let you down.
Nominated by: Deanna Baier, Bristol Bay 4-H & SERRC 21st CCLC
Lucas Thoning
Site Coordinator & Academic Coach, CHILL Time Razdolna School, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula, Razdolna
Lucas is an Afterschool Superhero because of his unique ability to spark curiosity and joy in the students he works with. Lucas has inspired learning by consistently bringing creativity and excitement into STEAM education. He designs and delivers lessons that are educational and engaging, and helps students see science as something fun, relevant, and within their reach. His passion motivates both the youth he serves and his fellow team members, creating a positive and energized learning environment.
A colleague shared, “What truly makes Lucas extraordinary is his playful spirit and genuine love for what he does. He carries an almost childlike sense of wonder that allows him to connect with students on their level, creating an environment where learning feels fun, safe, and inspiring. Whether he is leading a hands-on activity or sharing his famous Russian dance, Lucas brings energy, humor, and heart into every interaction. His presence doesn’t just support learning; it transforms it into an experience students look forward to and remember.”
Nominated by: Hayley Norris, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula
Hannah Jenks
Afterschool Program Coordinator, Hunter Elementary School 21st Century Community Learning Center, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Hannah is a mentor, a leader, an innovator, a caregiver, an educator and above all else, an inspiration. Often, it’s said that people go "above and beyond" what they're called to do, but this rings exceptionally true when it comes to Hannah. She empowers youth to be creative, to be innovative and to lead by example.
An example shared by her colleague highlights Hannah’s creativity and ability to think outside of the box. When students asked about purchasing a game for program, Hannah challenged her students to borrow and build before they buy; and that's what they did! From the prototype to the build, students got creative with materials and 3D printing supplies! She taught students to get creative, work in a team, use their resources wisely and most of all, have fun. Hannah has an incredible way about her leadership that allows kids to be curious kids, maybe test the limits here and there, but all-in-all, helping them grow by being firm and fair by connection before correction.
Hannah’s program serves many students with significant needs, which could feel daunting, but she meets it with steady grace, positivity, and purpose. Hannah intentionally creates a safe, supportive space in her afterschool program for all her students, by offering calm-down areas, reset spaces, and an extra layer of care and compassion.
A supervisor shared, “She empowers our youth to be creative, to be innovative and to lead by example. She's the type of person that you're proud to have on your team.”
When Hannah speaks about her students, her genuine tone and thoughtful approach stand out. She leads not with sympathy, but with hope, hope her student’s future, for her program, and for the families that make up Interior Alaska.
Nominated by: Jennifer Wienke, Lindsy Weaver, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 21st CCLC