Arizona Afterschool Awards of Excellence

Eddie and Nadine will be recognized for their lifetimes of advocacy for Arizona’s children and quality education programs at all levels.  In addition, individual awards will be presented to an outstanding individual afterschool professional, an outstanding afterschool program, and an outstanding afterschool leader for their exemplary work in furthering the delivery of quality child development programs in “out of school time” settings for Arizona’s children.

The Center also presents Individual, Program and Leadership Awards annually honoring out-of-school time programs and professionals for their exemplary work in fostering the education and overall youth development of Arizona’s school-age children.  The Arizona Afterschool Awards of Excellence promote and encourage professionalism and excellence in out-of-school time programs which are increasingly valued as critically important additions to a child’s K- 12 educational experience.  

Don't delay, nominate your favorite afterschool program, leader or individual staff member now!               

To read the nomination guidelines and nominate an individual or program, or afterschool leader, click on the links below:

Awards of Excellence Guidelines

Individual Nomination Form

Program Nomination Form

Leadership Nomination Form

2008 Awards of Excellence Winners

Individual Award — Angela DiCicco, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch
Angela DiCicco is the Education Coordinator at one of the busiest Boys & Girls Clubs in the Valley, a Club that sees more than 300 six to eighteen-year-old children and youth each day. She is proactive in her approach to ensuring success for the youth at her club, engaging both parents and educators to find ways in which the Boys & Girls Club Afterschool Program can bolster members’ progress in the classroom. She takes the lead in coordinating the annual Multicultural Festival, an event that brings together youth from 10 Boys & Girls Club afterschool programs. She acts as an advisor to the Rosenzweig Branch’s youth leadership Torch and Keystone Club, helping members plan community service projects and mentoring them to become strong leaders. Angela noticed members’ fascination with self-produced films and arranged for a film festival with the help of Art Specialists and Education Coordinators from other Boys & Girls Clubs around the valley. Lemuel Carter, the branch manager, says that she “is a true team player who is comfortable taking the lead in the Club and the community. She shows respect for everyone and strives for the best in everything she does—but she doesn’t seek credit for her accomplishments. She’s a true unsung hero!”

Program Award — Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children
Rosie’s House was established in 1996 serving 45 students. It has since become a full-fledged music academy serving more than 300 students ages 5-18 and offering classes and lessons five days a week in strings, brass and wind instruments, classical guitar, piano and voice. Each year a waiting list of more than 90 students indicates the tremendous need for its services. The multi-ethnic students served by Rosie’s House are low-income, high-risk youth in the Phoenix metropolitan area learning on loaned instruments. The staff of Rosie’s House have developed a curriculum that adheres to the National and Arizona Arts Standards. Program benefits include development of an appreciation of the arts, improved academic achievement, greater self-confidence, discipline, increased creative thinking, and other life skills that will encourage them to complete their education and also help them avoid drugs, gangs, and violence. Those who complete the curriculum will continue with a more advanced course of study preparing them for college and/or professional-level performance. Free tutoring is available to students who need assistance with their school work. Among the program’s success stories is that of Diana Solorio who grew up on dirt floors in Mexico before moving to Phoenix. She spent several years learning to master the flute at Rosie’s House. She is now a sophomore at Stanford. She says, “I’m majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in Psychology. And, yes I still play my flute, and give mini flute lessons to the beginners in Mariachi Cardenal de Stanford.”

Champion Award: Vicki Catlett-Newby, Paradise Valley Unified School District
Vicki Catlett-Newby started the Paradise Valley Unified School District Mascot Clubs, designed to provide a safe and convenient child care solution for school-age children in the district, in 1993. She was the Site Coordinator for the first pilot site and has since expanded the program to twenty-three school sites. Through these programs, children are encouraged to learn and play in a safe, caring environment. Vicki was a charter member of the Arizona School-Age Coalition, the predecessor to the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence and has served on the Board of Directors in many capacities, including President. In addition, Vicki was a member of the Maricopa County School-Age Coalition which initiated the first regional training for school-age care workers and served as an officer and member of the planning committee for the fall and summer trainings for several years. When S*CCEEDS, Arizona’s Career Registry for Child Care Professionals, began to formulate registered trainers and trainings, Vicki joined the Policy Board to set the rating standards of teacher trainings and qualifications. She teaches child development classes for Rio Salado Community College and has also taught for Central Arizona College to share her passion with students planning on entering the field. Because of her belief in highly trained staff Vicki presents extensively at state and national afterschool conferences. Vicki is truly a champion for youth and the programs that serve them.

Jane Romatzke Leadership Award — Leah Sergeant, City of Tempe
Kid Zone Enrichment Program
Leah Sergeant began working in the afterschool field in 1988 teaching tennis and swimming. She currently is responsible for the hiring, training, and retaining of quality employees for the Kid Zone program. Leah has been a member and volunteer of the Center for ten years. During that time, she has been a part of the Conference Committee every year and in charge of the vendors and exhibits at the conference. She can be found at the conference at 5am helping vendors and she won’t leave until the last exhibitor has gone. In addition to her work on the conference, Leah has presented workshops at the Center’s conference as well as several Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conferences. She attends job fairs and university gatherings to promote working in our profession. Leah has attended several NAA national conferences as a representative of Arizona and Kid Zone. Leah is willing to educate others about our profession and is an experienced and effective presenter. Leah’s leadership abilities have also been utilized in the City of Tempe as a union representative and a Tempe Employee Council representative. In her spare time, Leah volunteers for Hospice, Tempe Sister Cities, ASU and other groups. She is tireless and committed to her work. Leah Sergeant represents leadership in and out of our profession. She always advocates for the profession and has helped to gain pay increases and people to staff many programs.