2024 Champions for Children event honors local volunteers

WASILLA — Local volunteers from across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District were recognized for their efforts during the annual Champions for Children award ceremony held at Everett's Thursday, May 2.

Mat-Su Education Association President Vicki Hewitt commended the volunteers for their hard work, passion, and dedication. She called them the “unsung heroes” who make a huge difference in the students’ overall educational experience.

“You do it because you genuinely care about the people around you and want to make a positive impact in their lives,” Hewitt said.

Palmer Junior Middle School teacher Linda Jo Klapperich has helped organize the Champions for Children event for many years. Klapperich said that the countless hours of work put in by volunteers tremendously helps educators’ efforts and makes a world of difference in students’ lives.

“You're a beacon of hope," Klapperich said.

Volunteers were nominated by teachers and other school staff members to receive Champions for Children awards and receive commemorative plaques. Twelve volunteers were recognized during this year's event.

Tim Walters nominated Dr. Sarah Welton for the Lifetime Achievement Award for her various contributions over the years.

“Sarah was a fixture on the school board, someone always concerned about how things would affect students… For Sarah, it's always been about supporting kids,” Walters said.

Welton expressed immense gratitude for the recognition. She said that she intends to keep investing in efforts supporting local students.

“I will continue working with kids as much as I can and working with adults who work with kids. It's important to me that we take care of our youth,” Welton said. “We need to be the models for them to show that it's not beneath us to do some of the hard work to keep our community clean and beautiful and wonderful.”

Kids Kupboard Executive Director Milena Sevigny was this year's keynote speaker. Sevigny emphasized the importance of volunteering and involving youth.

“We're here because it's in our blood," Sevigny said. “We have a chance to bring these kids with us… Bring those kids along and have them bring their friends because that's the piece- the kids learning from kids to be part of the community and feel valued- that is the most important part here.”

Toni Elmer's son, Alex, was the youngest volunteer recognized this year. She said that she's very proud of him.

“He’s doing a lot of good for the school," Elmer said. “It makes my heart so full.”

Elmer said this event is a great way to honor volunteers across the community.

“I think it is so deserved. We have so many volunteers that give and give and give. They absolutely deserve to be recognized. This evening is for them," Elmer said.

Below is a list of the 2024 Champions for Children award recipients: Dr. Sarah Welton (Lifetime Achievement Award), Shelly Titus (Academy Charter School), Tiffany Davidson (Willow Elementary School), Jody Solmonson (Wasilla Middle School), Alex Elmer (Meadow Lakes Elementary School), Emily Palenske (Career Tech High School), Janelle Gagnon (Colony High School), Alyssa Staricha (Butte Elementary School), Donna Maupin (Swanson Elementary School), Mike Gordan and crew (Tanaina Elementary School), Carly Jones-Maurer (Birchtree Charter School) and Amanda Adam's (Pioneer Peak Elementary School).

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com