It’s Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated individuals who make a difference in the lives of young people every day after the final school bell rings. Civic Nebraska is proud to operate three Community Learning Centers in Omaha, located at Lewis & Clark Middle School, Lothrop Magnet Elementary, and Sherman Elementary, where students find safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces to learn, grow, and thrive. This week is set aside to honor the educators, mentors, and staff who power these vital programs and who show up, day in and day out, to support and uplift the next generation.
Ayanna Almaguer has confidently stepped into the role of interim site director at our Community Learning Center at Sherman Elementary, bringing energy, creativity, and compassion to the after-school team.
Previously serving as a program specialist at Lewis & Clark, Ayanna led engaging clubs, including Lemonade Days and Flavor Workshop. In that club, students crafted specialty lemonades or other drinks and held meaningful conversations around the theme “What I Wish My Parents Knew.”
Her transition to Sherman has been met with open arms. Both the school and the CLC team have embraced her leadership and the positivity she brings to the school’s after-school space. We’re proud to celebrate Ayanna during Afterschool Professionals Week and excited for all she continues to bring to Team Sherman!
Liseth Reyna Garrido, site director at the Trailblazer Afterschool Academy, has been a dedicated member of the Civic Nebraska family for over seven years, starting as a club programming leader, then transitioning into the Program Specialist role, and now serving as Site Director.
What makes her story even more special is that she was once a student in the very same after-school program at Lewis & Clark Middle School, and she returned to give back into the community that helped shape her.
Liseth brings a true servant’s heart to her work. Her leadership holds the team together, her laugh fills every room, and her compassion touches every student she meets. We’re so proud to honor her during Afterschool Professionals Week. Thank you, Liseth, for being the heart of Trailblazers and a shining example of what after-school excellence looks like.
DeShawn O’Neill has risen to the occasion this spring, stepping into the role of interim site director at Lothrop Magnet‘s Community Learning Center following the departure of longtime Site Director Equasha Smith. After serving as the program specialist for almost two years, DeShawn brought her leadership, heart, and dedication with grace and confidence.
The Lothrop team functions like a well-oiled machine, with each member playing a vital role in the program’s success. Their shared passion and commitment to building strong, caring relationships with students are what make Team Lothrop so special.
We are incredibly grateful for our after-school professionals’ dedication and for the enduring, positive impact they make every single day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Civic Nebraska’s Youth Civic Leadership programs build the next generation of civic leaders in Nebraska.