Connect with Kids Champions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things for and with young people in our community. They are those people who make a real effort to connect with children and teens as friends, neighbors, family members, volunteers or through their work. The Partnership is happy to announce the following Connect with Kids Champions for Winter 2006.

Arlington Public Schools Facilities and Operations Department Even though most staff members at the Facilities and Operations Dept. do not work directly with children, they still connect with kids. Under the leadership of Mr. Clarence Stukes, the Facilities and Operations Dept. has created a work culture that supports and encourages creative and innovative way for staff to reach-out to young people through internships, mentoring and tutoring. This positive culture creates a whole department of Connect with Kids Champions!

Bobby Meeks - Arlington Forest Pool and Arlington Public Schools Dive Coach Bobby Meeks is a long time diving coach whose relaxed and fun-loving manner creates a safe atmosphere for young people to learn new skills. His patient, caring and respectful manner with children and teens encourages a real sense of confidence in young people and a willingness to take a positive risk—positive strengths that stay with children way beyond the pool.

Stella Martinez - School Information Specialist - APS School and Community Relations Office Stella Martinez spends her days—and nights—making connections with Arlington young people and their families. Stella plans and coordinates events, provides interpretation for Spanish speaking parents and community members and develops and distributes critical school information. All this is accomplished in a caring, creative, and respectful manner that makes families and children feel better connected to their school system, and their individual school community.