The Rising Star award recognizes an emerging leader in youth programming, and the Educator of the Year celebrates an educator, leader, or staff member who goes above and beyond to ensure that children, their coworkers, and the community thrive.
Lauren Sanchez Gilbert, Ed.D., CEO of BellXcel and Arly, personally presented these awards during surprise in-person visits to each winner. This year’s travels took her to New Hampshire and Texas.
Let's meet the 2023 Arly Impact Award winners and delve into their remarkable achievements!
Rising Star Award: (Left to right) Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert, Ed.D. (Arly), Angel Demanche (Arly Impact Rising Star), and Joe Manzoli (YMCA of Greater Nashua) Photo Credit: Pattern Photography
Academy Site Director of the YMCA of Greater Nashua, Merrimack Branch in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Angelique ‘Angel’ Demanche, was recognized as the Arly Rising Star Impact Award recipient.
Angel is highly celebrated by her colleagues as someone who instills a love of learning in children. “It takes humility and compassion to impart knowledge and ignite a love for learning in children and educators, and Angel possesses both,” said YMCA of Greater Nashua Executive Director of Education, Carlisa Choate.
Arly Educator of the Year Award: (Left to right) Tom Kroger, CEO & President, Jubilee Academies Board of Directors; Dr. Atikah Shemshack, Associate Superintendent of Accountability & Compliance, Jubilee Academies; Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert, Ed.D., CEO, BellXcel and Arly; Yesenia Gonzalez, 21st Century District Director, Jubilee Academies and Arly Educator of the Year; Sandra Gonzalez, Associate Director (Coastal Bend Region), Jubilee Academies; Alicia Bolt, Associate Superintendent (Rio Grande Valley Region), Jubilee Academies; Dr. Kevin Phillips, Superintendent of Schools, Jubilee Academies Photo Credit: Pattern Photography
Yesenia Gonzales, 21st Century District Director of Jubilee Academies in Brownsville, Texas, was recognized as the Arly Educator of the Year.
She is praised as a problem solver who never lets obstacles slow her down. “Yesenia operates with integrity and always wants to do the best work in the right way,” said RGV Associate Superintendent, Sandra Gonzales. “When she messes up, she dusts herself off and focuses on how she can do better the next day.”
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to personally present the Arly Impact Awards to both Angel and Yesenia and celebrate the inspiring effect they’ve had on their respective programs,” said Dr. Sanchez Gilbert. “We honor their commitment to ensuring the children in their communities are supported with enriching opportunities that light the way to brighter futures and bigger dreams.”
The Arly Impact Awards annually draw in a large pool of peer-nominated candidates nationwide. When considering nominations, we prioritize individuals who exhibit the following qualities:
- Demonstrates a committed pursuit of their mission with energy and purpose
- Innovates with bold, intuitive solutions
- Embraces personal responsibility
- Fosters collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness
- Empowers results and impact
Additionally, this year, we are introducing a new element: recognition of the 2023 runners-up for each award category. Stay updated by following us on LinkedIn.
About the YMCA of Greater Nashua
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua facilities, located in both Nashua and Merrimack, engage over 39,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the YMCA visit, www.nmymca.org.
About Jubilee Academies
Jubilee Academies is an open-enrollment charter school based in San Antonio, Texas, with over 20 years of providing quality education to our community. The district enrolls students from Pre-(K)4 through 12th grade. There are 12 campuses currently serving communities throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, Kingsville, and the Rio Grande Valley. Each campus provides a safe and structured environment focused on leadership, academics, and a balance of mind and body for lifetime success. For more information about Jubilee Academies, visit www.jubileeacademies.org.
