Illinois Champions leaders inspired to create superheroes

Superheroes weren’t always superheroes. They had something that sparked them. This was the message from keynote speaker Dr. Guy Schumacher, superintendent of Libertyville, Ill., School District 70, at the 29th annual Illinois AfterSchool Spring Conference. At this year’s conference, sponsored by Champions before-and-after school programs, Schumacher shared the “wheel” that he uses to drive his district. The six skills on his wheel include communicating, working on teams, self-direction, solving problems, using technology, and making connections. Schumacher pointed out that all superheroes use these skills.

During his keynote, Schumacher described how amazed he is when he walks into Champions programs and encouraged all conference attendees to invite him into their classrooms. He charged Champions to integrating the six skills from his wheel into their programs and to make a difference, “…because that is what superheroes do.”

Later on during the conference, Schumacher presented Curtis Peace, Jr., executive director of the Illinois AfterSchool Network (IAN), with his own red superhero cape. Peace expressed his gratitude to Schumacher for appreciating IAN from an educator’s perspective.

“We are all serving children,” he said.

The first day of the conference ended with a reception displaying artwork created by Champions students around the theme of showcasing future professionals. Champions Area Manager Paula Short hosted the reception.

Champions is a leading out-of-school time provider of extended learning and education programs for school-age children. Champions programs are offered at more than 450 sites in 17 states. For more information, visit www.discoverchampions.com.