Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award

Honoring Early Childhood Education Professionals!

The Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award is an annual award given to an individual who is currently working in the field of early childhood education in the state of Alaska. Cindy Harrington was one of the founding mothers of early childhood work in Alaska, as well as a member of thread’s Board of Directors until her untimely passing in May of 2014.

This program honors Cindy’s passion, strength, and professionalism by awarding an individual in early childhood education who exemplifies these characteristics. One of Cindy Harrington’s strengths was recognizing individual achievement, especially when it involved overcoming barriers. The recipient of this award demonstrates the qualities Cindy herself would want to honor.

Nominations for the Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award are now closed. Please join us for our virtual award ceremony on Provider Appreciation Day, May 10, 2024. The recipient will receive the Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award and a monetary award of $1,000. They will also receive an item of their choosing from the Lakeshore catalog up to $150. The recipient will be featured on thread’s website, in thread’s e-Newsletter, and a press release to the media.

Watch the Awards

Criteria

Recognition Category: Individual excellence

Eligibility

Individuals who currently work in the early childhood education field in Alaska, with special consideration given to those in child care, and who possess some or all of Cindy Harrington’s heart and mind characteristics identified below. Special consideration will be given to individuals who have overcome barriers in achieving professional growth and demonstrated generosity of spirit in helping others. thread staff are not eligible to receive this award.

Recognition & Criteria

The recipient is honored during a special award ceremony and receives the Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award and a monetary award of $1,000. They will also be featured on thread’s website and in thread’s e-newsletter, as well as in a press release to the media.

Nominees should be individuals currently employed in the early childhood education field in Alaska who exhibit the following characteristics as demonstrated through their work with young children:

Involvement with the early childhood education profession, particularly child care
Strength of character
Commitment to excellence
Professional determination
Impassioned spirit
Dedication to professional growth
Passion for engaging families
Commitment to encouraging others
Commitment to child care during the Covid pandemic

Nomination Process

Nominations can be made by anyone familiar with the nominee’s contribution to the early childhood education field. All nominations forms must be fully completed at the time of submissions to be considered. Selections will be made by the awards committee and based solely on the nomination submitted.

Current Recipient

Past Recipients