Clubhouse making difference for students

It is not often that an organization impacts a great number of children in the way that the Boys and Girls Clubhouse of Nikiski has. For the past three years, I have watched as Shanette Wik and the other members of the clubhouse have worked endless hours on behalf of our Nikiski children. Shanette’s leadership and ability to see beyond the basic scope of the program has given us a program that affects children from 5 to 12.

The positive impact and success of the program is reflected not only in the soaring grades and test scores, but in the sheer number of children who attend the Boys and Girls Clubhouse in Nikiski. I was not surprised to see over 75 students show up on the first day of their summer program.

Kids love to be here! They not only have a solid homework-academic component, but students can participate in a wide variety of activities after school throughout the year and during the summer. During the school year, Boys and Girls Club provided early morning reading support, breakfast to over 125 students daily, a walking-running program at lunch recess and many, many hours of fun, educational activities every day after school.

As the administrator of this school, I cannot say enough good things about this program and its accomplishments under the leadership of Shanette. This program continues to be an integral component to the success of our school. It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to thank Shanette and all of the Boys and Girls Club staff for their efforts. I look forward to another great year of collaboration next year.

Lori Manion

Principal

Nikiski North Star Elementary School