AUGUSTA – Two afterschool programs were recently awarded a first place and an honorable mention from the Maine Afterschool Network, through the University of Maine at Farmington, for being “exemplary” programs.

Earning first in the 21st Grant Program category was Mahoosuc Kids Association, based in Bethel. It has three after-school enrichment programs in the SAD 44 elementary schools.

The association was established in 2001 through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and has expanded through a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. It serves more than 278 youth during the school year and more than 100 youth during the summer.

The program, directed by Julie Hart, is a partnership of the school and the community and offers enrichment opportunities focused on building healthy and respectful relationships, while meeting the needs of the participants and their families.

Also started with a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant is a new program, the Depot, located in SAD 17. The program earned an honorable mention award in the grant program category.

The Maine Afterschool Network staff was impressed with the nomination and decided to offer the unexpected award category. The Depot and K-Depot programs, established in 2005, are based at the Hebron Station School and serve 41 percent of the school population.

As a result of the success in its first year, the program coordinator, NancyLee Piper, and Principal Nathan Merrill were approached by several incoming kindergarten parents, and K-Depot began at the start of this school year.

It allowed the children of the working families to stay in the school of their hometown. The program is now full. The nomination cited the Depot’s greatest strength as Piper, who holds high expectations of herself, the program and the children.

The Mahoosuc Kids Association received the award during the Governor’s Summit on After-school Programs at the Augusta Civic Center. The SAD 17 program was given the award during a special schoolwide assembly.-