2025 Alaska Afterschool Superhero

Renee Veldman is a shining example of dedication and passion in afterschool programming. As a Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula Academic Coach, she travels 45 minutes each way-braving Alaskan winters- to bring engaging learning opportunities to Kachemak Selo and Voznesenka. Renee's lessons are hand-on and innovative, from engineering projects to computer programming. She even collaborated with the local fire department on a fire response study for her students! Renee's commitment to academic coaching has has played a key role in boosting students' math and reading scores.

Renee's impact also goes beyond academics. She is an artist and deeply understands the power of creative expression for young people. This last school year, Renee engaged students in a collaborative plasticine clay art piece to be displayed at a Family Night Art Show. Renee encouraged her students with her signature phrase, "When making art, we want to be PROUD, not perfect!" And proud they were! The piece now hangs permanently in the school hallway as a testament to the student's creativity and teamwork.

One of Renee's coworkers says, "Renee is consistently meeting youth and their families where they are at, finding ways that she can support them, so that they can continue to participate in afterschool and do so successfully. Whether that is giving students who are without transportation rides, special snacks for students in need, listening and quality time to students who need it more." Renee is a true afterschool superhero- blending academics, creativity, and compassion to make a lasting impact on students and families she serves.

Nominate by: Ksenia Kuzmin, Shellie Worsfold, Michael Wojciak, Joolee Aurand, Karina Marette, Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula