Alaska Afterschool Superhero Awards 2020

Once more, the clarion call for amazing afterschool professionals bellowed across the state, and these five exceptional individuals rose up to meet the challenge head-on with grace and tenacity.  The Alaska Afterschool Network is recognizing five outstanding afterschool professionals who act as everyday superheroes in our youth’s lives during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 28th - May 2nd, 2020.

These Afterschool Superheroes provide academic enrichment and keep youth safe, while making it possible for families to go to work with peace of mind. Out-of-school time staff step forward every day to help children in need, provide healthy snacks and meals, foster success in school, and serve as role models to the children and their community. Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment and passion for our youth!

Billy Smith: 21st Century Community Learning Center ASP Coordinator, Hunter Elementary After School Program, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

The greatest superheroes are also mentors who, like Billy Smith, Afterschool Coordinator for Hunter Elementary in Fairbanks, guide the next generation by helping them discover their own strength and identity. “Billy serves as a role model not just to students but to the staff he works with. It feels like a real privilege to work with Billy," says one colleague. Always on the lookout for ways to teach kids new skills as well as finding abilities they did not know they had. Billy is also an involved coach and is responsible for providing funding so high school youth can play baseball at their high schools. For over twenty years Billy has done everything he can to ensure his students are supported at every level in his programs, down to making sure all the balls are inflated for gym time. Always ready to listen and help in any way he can, Billy’s dedication has inspired his students to be the best they can be. “Billy is an inspiration to not only to those who work with him, he is an inspirational hero to the students who are enrolled in his ASP program.” 

Nominated by: Katherine Helmuth, & Marilyn Eggleston ASP / FNSBSD 

Pauline Mejia: Program Staff, Nunaka Valley Camp Fire Alaska

Superheroes often don’t know when they will hear the call of duty. Pauline Mejia, Camp Fire Program Staff, was engaging with her students when one of the youth began choking on his snack. Just like a try true superhero, 

Pauline jumped into action and provided lifesaving first aide to the child. Pauline’s quick thinking and actions saved a life. Not only does Pauline’s heroic act stand out, but everyday Pauline’s love and kindness has enriched and protected her students every day. “Pauline is one of the most compassionate staff we have Camp Fire,” says one colleague. “She treats every child with love and compassion that helps form a positive relationship with them.”

Nominated by: Francisco Mercado, Camp Fire AK 

Wendi Raygor: ASP Coordinator, University Park Elementary, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

Wendi Raygor soars above and beyond expectations to ensure students are safe and connected to resources during the COVID-19 crises.  As an Afterschool Program Coordinator for University Park Elementary in Fairbanks, Wendi has run a magnificent program where she is heavily involved in the lives and families of her students. “Not only does she do enrichment activities with these students, but she also does homework with them, checking in with them to see how she can better support them,” says the University Park Elementary School Principal. Wendi was already supporting and checking in with families when a frightening new adversary came to town: Coronavirus. Undeterred,  Wendi connected with all her families to see what they needed, and she helped teachers prepare for remote learning.

Wendi has modeled core values like integrity, passion, dependability, and a boundless love for children. “She’s just amazing!”

Nominated by: Allyson Nicholson, FNSBSD 

Karla Horner Raffaele: Director, The PEAK Program

For over twenty years, Karla Horner Raffaele has been a beacon of hope and passionate advocate for afterschool programs in Sitka. During this time, she launched two successful afterschool programs the Ventures School-age Program and PEAK Program. When the local district considered cutting the Ventures program Karla jumped into action and presented the appropriate data and research to the board which convinced them to retain and support the program. The PEAK Program is the second successful program she created where students have a safe place to go every day to have fun learning through STEM/STEAM activities. Karla has enriched the lives of hundreds of Sitka students. Her lessons are thematic and incorporate real-life lessons that highlight community, family, friendship, and the world around us. “Parents continuously laud Karla's program and she recognizes that she is very fortunate to hear these compliments every day.” These days Karla’s program is thriving, and it’s not hard to see why. “Karla believes 100% in after school programs and she has helped an entire community of families to believe in them as well.” 

Nominated by: Heidi Horner Raffaele 

Chong Vue: Site Director, Camp Fire Alaska

Chong Vue, Site Director at Camp Fire Alaska, facilitates amazing changes among the youth at his program by helping his students become their strongest, smartest, and most noble versions of themselves. Chong has transformed multiple Camp Fire sites in a manner that has made a positive difference in the program. “When Chong takes over a site, he creates structure that ensures that kids are safe. He challenges his staff to create new and original activities that challenges all youths,” says one colleague. Chong’s work has seen tremendous positive outcomes for Camp Fire programs, creating a culture of learning and fun that makes his students never want to leave. One parent raved about the impact Chong has had on her son, who before meeting Chong was unenthusiastic about his time at Camp Fire. “Recently, the child asked their parent not to pick him up early. This parent feels the work Chong has done with her child has made a difference in his life in all aspects.” Chong helps transform his students by demonstrating compassion and a sense of joy every day. 

Nominated by: Francisco Mercado, Camp Fire AK 

‘*****

A warm thank you to every one of our afterschool superhero award recipients and nominees! Your hard work and dedication make the world a better place day by day, and we couldn’t express enough how much you mean to us.