Two Win Awards from The New Hampshire Afterschool Network

The Thad Mandsager award is given in honor of Thad’s legacy of civic contributions for the greater good of the youth and families in his community. Recognized as both a leader in his field and an advocate for those he served, this award recognizes an afterschool provider who exhibits a similar social conscience and public spirit to what Thad exemplified in his community.

Awarded by NH Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Center program and the NH Afterschool Network, according to a press statement.

This year’s recipient is Jennifer Berkowitz, Program Director for Ossipee’s School’s Out! Program. Jennifer has worked in the afterschool field for over 15 years and has been the Program Director for the School’s Out! Program since the program began in 2003. Jennifer believes that strong relationships, collaboration, and team work are pivotal to the quality and sustainability of an afterschool program. She thrives on the diversified responsibilities of being a program director and is inspired by the children and families who benefit from the afterschool program.

The Excellence in Afterschool Award is sponsored by the New Hampshire Afterschool Network. The award is given to an afterschool professional who: fosters and encourages the development and sustainability of high quality afterschool programming, improves afterschool professionalism, and improves program quality by providing a wide variety of extended learning opportunities during out-of-school hours. The award celebrates a proven commitment to quality and professionalism in the field of afterschool.

This year’s recipient is Norma Gonzales, Site Director at Changing Lives Through Balance 21st Century Program in Manchester. Norma has been the Site Coordinator for the past eight years at the 21st Century Community Learning Center located at Beech Street Elementary School in Manchester. Norma consistently provides high-quality enrichment programs. She actively supports and encourages her students. She strives to bring new experiences to her students and their families so they grow, not only as students, but also as contributing members of their community

The New Hampshire Afterschool Network is a statewide collaboration created to foster and encourage the development and sustainability of high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs.