Scholarships

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Text Box: Anchorage AEYC is committed to improving the quality of programs for all young children and their families. The Ms Lare’ Early Childhood Education Scholarship is an annual award for any Anchorage AEYC/NAEYC member who is working towards a degree or certificate in Early Childhood in the State of Alaska. In addition to the Ms. Lare’ Early Childhood Education Scholarship an additional Scholarship was given in 2008 in memory of Jan Porterfield. In their efforts to support professionalism in the field of early education Anchorage AEYC awarded three $500 scholarships in November 2009. Anchorage AEYC has given over $41,500 in scholarships since 1972.

Scholarships

Anchorage Association for the Education of Young Children

Text Box: Congratulations to the 2009 Early Childhood Scholarship Recipients Debora Lee — Palmer Terri Mach — Homer

Legacy Leaders

Ms. Lare’ was a vociferous advocate for children and families and a strong advocate for all who work with them. Her unique approaches to securing means for young children and families of the Anchorage and Alaska communities showed an immeasurable commitment that showcased her strong support and concern for others. She was one of a kind and was unending in her efforts and her beliefs to ensure that the children received the education needed for their success. She also equally sought rightful compensation for those who provided the services for children. Ms. Lare’ was an outstanding example of sharing love for others.

Ms. Lare’ was a life member of NAEYC and the Anchorage AEYC Affiliate. She at on various committees for NAEYC, was President of Anchorage AEYC in 1991-92, and a former president of Alaska AEYC. She was a member of the Anchorage AEYC Conference committee for many years. Lare’ was the catalyst for getting chapters of AEYC up and running in Bethel, Kenai and Kodiak to join Anchorage, Fairbanks and Southeast AEYC’s. She restarted the Alaska AEYC after years of dormancy. Ms. Lare’s enthusiasm and influence were felt way beyond Alaska, in the region and the nation. It seemed as if everyone she met was affected by her high energy, dedication and irrepressible spirit. She was a very memorable ambassador.

When Ms. Lare’ retired she requested that all gifts be made to Anchorage AEYC. At that time the Ms. Lare’ CDA Scholarship was created. This scholarship provided financial assistance to individuals who were applying for their Child Development Associate (CDA) assessments. Today, the Ms. Lare’ CDA Scholarship has grown to assist individuals in all levels of early childhood with scholarships and is called the Anchorage AEYC Early Childhood Education Scholarship.

Ms. Lare’ passed away in April, 2005.

Our friend and colleague Jan Porterfield died of colon cancer on June 21, 2007. Jan brought light and joy wherever she went, and will be very deeply missed by friends, family and colleagues.

As a child, Jan was active in Girl Scouts and was a camp counselor for several summers. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Jan lived for eleven years in the United Kingdom before coming to Alaska. In the UK, she worked as a university researcher, an independent training consultant and as an advisor to the Rowntree Memorial Trust. In Alaska, Jan worked for the Special Education Service Agency-SESA, taught early childhood education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, was a full-time mother and volunteer for many years, and later was the teacher/director of the Anchorage Cooperative Preschool.

After her cancer diagnosis in fall 2000, Jan found a new calling in life as a watercolor artist. She was also very active in her cancer support group: Women Listen. One of Jan's paintings/illustrations from her Survival Fairies series.... which she created for the Cancer Support Group called WOMEN LISTEN and others. This illustration was called Survival Fairies fly kites.

Though Jan always found her work fascinating and gratifying, it’s fair

to say that she took the most delight in her work in the preschool

classroom. There Jan demonstrated her remarkable ability to truly

know and appreciate each child and each child's family.

Sunny sunflowers

an example of Jan’s floral paintings

Nancy Smith Earle’s career in Child Development began at age eighteen with the birth of her first child. She then went on to raise five children.

With a BA in psychology Nancy worked evenings at the Booth Home counseling pregnant teens. In 1979 she went to work at Tanaina Child Development Center, where she started as a pre-school supervisor and shortly after became the Director. In 1984 she became Director of Joy Lutheran Child Development Center, a position she held until she retired in 1999.

Nancy considered herself a “life long learner” and was very committed to her staff, children and their families. She provided numerous hours of training for her staff and took pride in the fact that most of her staff worked together for more than ten years.

Under Nancy's Directorship Joy Lutheran Child Development Center was the first center in Eagle River to receive National Accreditation from NAEYC in 1985. She was so committed to NAEYC she became a validator and donated many hours to help other child care centers become accredited. During her career she served as President of Anchorage AEYC in 1983-84, Vice-President of Anchorage AEYC and President of the board of Child Care Connection, Inc. She helped write a grant where twelve or more teachers received training and obtained their CDA’s. She served as a Mentor and CDA Advisor and was interested in becoming a CDA

Rep.

Nancy loved the early childhood field. She was very proud to be part of an exciting field where so much learning takes place. She enjoyed working side by side with so many professionals in a field where rewards are priceless.

In 2001 Anchorage AEYC created the Nancy Smith Earle Torch Bearer Award. This award is presented to early childhood educators who have carried the torch and lit the way for others. The award recognizes early childhood professionals who have shown longevity within the community of early childhood and growth of the professional in the state of Alaska.

Nancy passed away in April 2000.

Legacy Fund

Anchorage AEYC has established the Legacy Fund to honor leaders in the early childhood community. The Legacy Fund was established with contributions from the Ms Lare’ Early Childhood Education Scholarship Fund which has given scholarships in memory of Ms. Lare’, Jan Porterfield and Nancy Smith-Earl.

Donations to the Legacy Fund are accepted to honor family members or friends with a special passion and commitment for children. The honor may be in memory of individual or to acknowledge a special event or achievement in their life.

Legacy Fund contributions will continue to award scholarships to Anchorage AEYC/NAEYC members working towards a degree or certificate in Early Childhood in the State of Alaska.

Acknowledgement

Donations are fully tax deductible and a donation receipt will be provided. Donation may be mailed to: Anchorage AEYC

PO Box 201301

Anchorage, AK 99502

Anchorage AEYC will send a card to the honorees or their family acknowledging your thoughtfulness. You will receive a letter confirming your donation was received and a card was sent. Click here for an Anchorage AEYC contribution pledge form.