When the world needed them most, as we continued to struggle to see our way out of this pandemic, our essential out-of-school time champions suited up and appeared in a flash. Alaska's indominable afterschool and summer camp educators have worked tirelessly to provide a healthy and safe environment for kids in Alaska. Afterschool and summer programs are an essential part of our communities, inspiring learning, supporting families, and keeping our kids safe. This heroic work would not be possible without the spectacular staff and amazing volunteers at these programs, who rise up every day to inspire hope and foster learning. Thanks to the amazing feats of these super-individuals, Alaska's afterschool programs have flourished in spite of these trying times.
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 25 - 28, 2022. These six Afterschool Superheroes inspired children and youth to reach for greatness. Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment and passion for our youth!
Lea Hood
Program Coordinator
Anne Wien Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Center,
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (Fairbanks, AK)
Lea has been an afterschool professional for more than a decade and has a long list of superhero accomplishments that accompany the solid program systems and routines she has established. Lea worked tirelessly to offer afterschool programming online in 2020 and continues to re-engage families returning from distance learning during the pandemic. She advocates for students struggling with COVID-19 learning loss to ensure that every child has the positive learning experiences during out-of-school time that meet their learning needs. Lea provides a wealth of enrichment opportunities to her students including the highly popular fencing club and 3D printing classes. She also generously shares professional development, resources, and strategies with colleagues. Leah has gone above and beyond in her role as an afterschool professional by building connections to families by bridging school and afterschool through family nights.
Colleagues say, “Lea is earnest and intentional in every aspect of her job. She looks always to best practices in the field and asks, ‘how does this fit in my afterschool community?’” “She goes above and beyond and is a strong voice for students and families enrolled in her program. She is an energetic, determined soul and cares deeply when it comes to fairness and making program available to those who need academic and SEL support.”
Nominated by: Marilyn Eggleston (2018 Afterschool Superhero), Lindsy Weaver, and Courtney Havrilek (2017 Afterschool Superhero) of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Shirley Craig
Site Coordinator
Gateway Afterschool Program - Mentasta Lake Katie John School,
Alaska Gateway School District (Mentasta Lake, AK)
Shirley is a dedicated and compassionate superhero! She provides a well-rounded schedule of activities for Gateway afterschool program and is actively involved in the school and community. On top of coordinating program activities, Shirley finds resources and instructors for activities within the school and community that provide cultural and physical activities like beading and yoga.
One of Shirley’s colleagues says, “Shirley is definitely an extraordinary person and valuable to Mentasta Lake Katie John School. She is conscientious and dedicated to providing the best afterschool program for the students in Mentasta.” Shirley also quite literally “goes to the extra mile,” providing transportation so that all kids who want to are able to attend the Mentasta Aftershool Program, even transporting kids 50 miles twice a day, 5 days per week, for the entire month of summer camp. She knows that without this support, some kids would not be able to attend.
Nominated by: Pam Gingue (2021 Afterschool Superhero), Program Coordinator of Gateway Afterschool Programs
Connor Tetlow
Site Director
Chester Valley Camp Fire,
Camp Fire (Anchorage, AK)
Connor’s superpowers are patience and care! Connor works every day to build relationships and learn about the needs of his students to be successful in the program. He shows each youth patience while managing student IEPs, behavioral plans, and difficult life situations and has connected families with resources that have led to better outcomes in school and the afterschool program.
One colleague says, “Connor is one of the most patient and caring individuals that I know. He stepped into some big shoes, but he met the challenge head on.”
Connor has helped create a site where there is joy and a family atmosphere through his caring virtue. He works closely with his staff to align the program with what youth do during the school day for consistency and is always looking for new ideas to bring to site to make it fun and a place where youth want to be.
Nominated by: Francisco Mercado, Regional Supervisor, Camp Fire Alaska
Valarie Jackson
Afterschool Specialist
Lathrop After the Bell - 21st CCLC,
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (Fairbanks, AK)
Valarie Jackson’s superpower is super-selflessness! Valarie regularly connects students with resources to take home, from groceries and job applications to winter gear and school supplies. She is known to take students under her wing and make Lathrop After the Bell a welcoming space, supporting student’s whole selves with regular check-ins with student families. She advocates for and supports students to understand their educational rights and coaches them on how to advocate for themselves. She is responsible for many graduations of seniors and many students say she is the most helpful and supportive person in the school!
Her colleagues say, “Valarie gives every student the time they need. She listens without judgment with a true gift of seeing youth and accepting them where they are and with all they bring to the table.” “The definition extraordinary embodies Ms. Jackson and her innate ability to reach students and to let them know that she cares for them and that she is always there for them.”
Additionally, Valarie inspired and instructs the Lathrop Step Team which brings together diverse students, fosters pride for the team and school, and has become a highlight of assemblies and basketball games.
Nominated by: Clarice Louden-Mingo, Lathrop High School Assistant Principal and Courtney Havrilek (2017 Afterschool Superhero), Lead Afterschool Coordinator - Lathrop After the Bell
Katie Holmlund and Becca Madsen
KinderSkog Nature Program (Petersburg, AK)
Becca and Katie are an adventurous and dynamic duo of superheroes! They are fearless leaders for students in all weather and all environments from the beach to the forest to the muskeg at KinderSkog Nature Program, an entirely outdoor afterschool program out of Petersburg, Alaska.
More about Superhero Katie
Katie is a champion not only as director and program teacher, but also in the community. She is an advocate for all families to be able to afford high quality childcare and for fair wages for the employees of the community that are involved in childcare. She also serves on the Petersburg School District School Board. One parent says, “Katie is a rock for the children of Petersburg, Alaska. Families, and children can rely on her for high quality, consistent, safe, adventurous care for our school aged, and younger children.”
Nominated by: Molly Taiber, Parent
More About Superhero Becca
Becca is known for the genuine relationships she fosters with students and is many youth’s “safe adult”. As a program teacher with KinderSkog, Becca expects the best from kids and is also there to support them when they need it. Becca is a cheerleader, champion, and infamous Sharks and Minnows tagger. She is the calm in the chaos of her students’ world, their person to decompress with after a long day of school, and she inspires, encourages, and never gives up on kids. Becca also rises to the occasion when there is “extra” work. Cleaning up after International Mud Day is no joke!
A colleague says Becca “is loving, empathetic, and deeply committed to setting kids up for their best chance of success, no matter what success looks like for each child. She is kind and incredibly generous with her heart and time, she is the type of person all kids should have in their lives.”
Nominated by: Katie Holmund, KinderSkog Nature Program Director