Awards

Each year the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence solicits nominations from the field to recognize individuals and programs for their exemplary work on behalf of school-age children in Arizona. We at the Center feel strongly that honoring the remarkable work of programs, staff, and supervisors in the field helps to encourage professionalism and excellence in before- and after-school programs. Likewise, we believe honoring administrators and public officials who support this work encourages others to embrace this valuable community service that keeps children in a safe environment and enhances their learning experience. Winners of the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence Annual Awards of Excellence are announced at the statewide conference.

Awards of Excellence Guidelines

Awards of Excellence Nomination Form - Champion

Awards of Excellence Nomination Form - Program

Awards of Excellence Nomination Form - Individual

2007 Awards of Excellence Winners

The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence Annual Awards of Excellence ceremony was held at the 2007 Afterschool Conference. Nominations were solicited statewide via the Afterschool Advisor and on the website. Awards were given in four categories. Each recipient received a trophy, a certificate of recognition from the Governor, a cash award of $500, a one year membership in the Center and the national AfterSchool Association, and a one year subscription to School-Age NOTES.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE—ANNIE HIMEBAUGH, DIRECTOR, SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE AND ENRICHMENT AT DUNHAM SCHOOL (SEEDS Program).

Annie Himebaugh started the SEEDS program in Tucson 10 years ago and continues to seek ways to improve the program (they are currently working with Arizona Self Study to prepare for accreditation with the National AfterSchool Association) while focusing on her own professional development by continuing to take classes. Colleagues describe Annie with phrases like: Annie Himebaugh is positive energy. Annie Himebaugh is the leader that we would all like to be. Annie builds a strong community by involving students, parents, and business leaders in the lives of young people. Annie consistently collaborates with teachers (and encourages her staff to do the same) to effectively enhance the educational and social progress of students in the SEEDS program. And a parent said, “I would recommend Annie Himebaugh and the SEEDS program to any parent looking for a safe, nurturing, and educational place for their child to spend time.”

PROGRAM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE—TOWN OF MARANA PARKS & RECREATION HEALTHY “U”

The idea for Healthy “U” was conceived by Marana Recreation Supervisor Kristy Diaz-Trahan; however, it was an unfunded idea. Because the staff believed in the concept, they became fundraisers, resulting in more than $7,000 in contribution to serve over 300 children in the first year. Parents and participants sign a contract to state their full cooperation and participation in Healthy “U.” The program engages children and youth in health-conscious activities and teaches them to make healthy choices for snacks and meals. These activities and food choices help them earn points toward their Healthy “U” goal. The program not only engages families, it also brings in a variety of community business partners to ensure the success of program and the children and youth involved.

CHAMPION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE—FLAGSTAFF CITY COUNCIL

The City of Flagstaff recognizes the necessity of raising the level of awareness and response to the needs of children and youth. One of the City council’s top goals each year is to improve the quality of life in the community…a goal that is supported through policies and financial investments in afterschool programs. The city dedicates financial resources to Lights on Afterschool, the Parks & Recreation Program, NAU’s High Altitude Training Center which includes youth programs, and the FACTS Afterschool Program for children in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Thanks to a strong partnership with the City, FACTS is able to offer scholarships to families who cannot afford the fees and do not qualify for a subsidy through the Department of Economic Security. In fact, 60% of the children in the FACTS program are on a partial or full scholarship thanks to the City. The acronym, FACTS, stands for Family and Community Teaming for Students. FACTS is open to children ages 5-12, whether they attend public, private, or charter schools, or are home-schooled. The City Council clearly deserves the Champion Award of Excellence!

JANE ROMATZKE LEADERSHIP AWARD—LISA RICE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARIZONA CENTER FOR AFTERSCHOOL EXCELLENCE

In 2004, the leadership award was created to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the afterschool profession. Jane Romatzke served the profession at both the state and national level from 1990 to 2007 when she retired. The Center’s Board of Directors voted to name the leadership award after Jane. The committee to select this year’s winner was made up of prior honorees.

Lisa first worked in the afterschool field as a high school student, worked in the Child Enrichment Summer Program at Northern Arizona University while in college, and was then assistant director and director in school-age programs before taking the position as executive director of the Center for Afterschool Excellence. As Jane Romatzke stated, “She has worked hard in the profession through many years, worked on the Mott Grant, been involved with the National AfterSchool Association representing Arizona and has worked hard to improve the profession for all of us. Her work to transition the fine leadership of the organization has been possible because of her experience, years of leadership in school-age programs, and her commitment to the work of the Center, NAA, and quality programming. She deserves to be recognized for her leadership.”

Past Winners:

2006 Awards of Excellence winners

2005 Awards of Excellence winners

2004 Awards of Excellence winners

2002 & 2003 Awards of Excellence winners

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