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.