PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 20, 2011): K-12 students in afterschool programs across the state – the generation that will shape Arizona’s future – will outline their vision for the state by participating in Voices of Afterschool: An Arizona Centennial Writing Project.
Sponsored and organized by the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence to celebrate the Arizona Centennial and the national Lights on Afterschool event, participating students can submit an essay based on three writing prompts:
• I am proud to live in Arizona because…
• Young people are important to Arizona’s future because…
• My vision for Arizona in the next 100 years is…
The project will accept essays in three grade-based categories: K-4th grade (50-100 words), 5th-8th grades (100-250 words) and 9th-12th grades (500-750 words). Essays can be typed or handwritten and can be submitted by mail or in person to: Voices of Afterschool, Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, 112 N. Central Ave., Suite 700, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Students are encouraged to include elements of Arizona’s history, culture and geography in their essays. Several resources are posted, along with complete registration and essay guidelines, at www.azafterschool.org. Deadline is May 27. Registration is free.
To mark the state’s 100th birthday, an independent panel of judges will select 100 essays representing the diverse thoughts and perceptions of students across Arizona for a special Voices of Afterschool commemorative publication which will debut at the annual Afterschool Awards of Excellence Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Arizona Biltmore when former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will receive the 2011 Afterschool Champion Award.
“As we look ahead to the state’s next 100 years, whose voices are more important than those of our children?” asked Melanie McClintock, executive director of the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence. “Their collective vision will guide and shape the state’s future for their own children and grandchildren.” For more information, contact Caitlin King at the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence at (602) 496-3308 or send an email to info@azafterschool.org.
Nominations are now open for Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence’s Awards of Excellence, which recognize outstanding contributions of afterschool staff, programs and leaders statewide.
Winners will be honored at the 10th Annual Spotlight on Afterschool Awards of Excellence Luncheon, Wednesday, November 9, 2011 in the Arizona Biltmore Resort’s Grand Ballroom. At the event, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will be honored as the 2011 Afterschool Champion.
The award nomination deadline is Wednesday, June 15.
Awards include:
• Outstanding Afterschool Professional Award (Individual): an outstanding member of the profession whose work exemplifies afterschool best practices and reflects inclusive understanding of the needs of the children, youth and families; continued professional development; and the highest standards of afterschool program quality.
• The Jane Romatzke Leadership Award: recognizing an individual who is an advocate for the afterschool field whose work exemplifies afterschool best practices.
• Outstanding Afterschool Program Award: recognizing an exemplary program site meeting the highest standards of quality and demonstrating the capacity to meet the needs of children, youth and families in their communities.
Each honoree will receive a $500 cash award, paid registration to the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence professional development conference on November 9, a Flip Video Camera and a certificate of recognition from Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. The theme of this year’s conference is The Power of Afterschool: Exploring Each Child’s Passion & Potential.
Nominations can be submitted for candidates statewide from nonprofit organizations; public, private or faith-based programs; or any program supporting children and youth outside of school.
Nomination forms, guidelines and submission details can be found at http://www.azafterschool.org or by calling Caitlin King at 602.496.3308.