2025 Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award Recipient

Darby McFetridge’s passion for early childhood education began as a child. Growing up in North Pole, Darby marveled at her Nana, Robyn McFetridge, and the happy herd of strangers who always approached them when they were out and about. “I loved your class!” Darby remembers hearing people say. Being enmeshed in the power of early education through the praise of her Nana’s former kindergarten students had a lasting effect.

In high school Darby began working at Treasured Times, a home daycare in North Pole run by Janice Borkovec. While there Darby witnessed once again the impact a career in early childhood education could have.

“I saw how a young child could be set up for success for the rest of their school career in those early days,” she said. “They realize they are capable of overcoming challenges, and their confidence and self-esteem go up. They learn that learning is fun. Once a child has those pieces, they are hard to stop.”

From there Darby worked for Lori Kennard at North Star Learning Center. Darby was completing her degree at UAF in Child Development and Family Studies with a focus in Administration at the time.

Now that she is in the role of Director of North Star Learning Center, Darby has more expectations placed on her. She is aware that expectations are a privilege.

“The high standard is incredible because I know that we are expected to help empower young learners, and their families, and through that work we have a chance to make North Pole better, and the future better for all of us. The impact of the children’s early successes will outlive us.”

Looking to the future, Darby is excited to continue to work with her staff.

“I am humbled by the people I work with,” she said. “They are overcomers and their resilience and drive are inspiring.” 

The person who nominated Darby mentions that she is a fierce advocate for early education, for children, for working parents, and for families of all types. She has fought to keep Spanish instruction a part of the center’s offering. Darby also helps struggling families afford quality child education, and helps her employees afford collegiate degrees and finding affordable professional growth opportunities. Whatever challenges arise, the Darby uses her creativity, intellect, and network to overcome them.

Darby has amassed a wealth of knowledge around grants that pay for early education schooling. She also has begun a reflection portion of the paid work day, where colleagues reflect about the positives and negatives, and stresses and wins. They share what they feel like sharing. Her employees have found the practice incredibly helpful to process their challenging and rewarding careers. The recipient works tirelessly with her employees. She truly values them as people, and as educators.

Darby is under no illusion that her success is something she attained by herself.

“I want to express my gratitude to so many people who helped shape my career,” she said. “I want to thank Rick and Missy Land who saw my full potential before I did, and gifted me an opportunity to be a leader. I really am thankful for that. I wouldn’t have this without them.

“Our staff, Denise Zuniga, Chelsea Clarke, and Hannah Swinning – they make our program excellence possible. They have leaned in to the vision I have for the Center without hesitation. That means so much to me.

“The Novel Bunch: Montana Goss, Josephine Bean, Kelsey Maxwell, and Kaila Kuykendall – they cheer me on through the good, the hard, all of it. They make sure I have the support that I need.

“My ride-or-die, my number one champ, my Aunt, Mary McFetridge. She’s the person who really thought it was great idea for me to jump in and become a director.

“My parents Gabbie and Corey Boyd, and Jayson and Barbara McFetridge – who all four modeled a strong work ethic and a refusal to quit when things are hard. My Mom really is so supportive. She tells every person she meets that I am a teacher and am continuing my Nana’s legacy. She’s very proud of me, and it makes me feel strong to know she backs me.

“Anyone who has come into Fenders Restaurant has heard about my career. My brother Brendan, and his fiancé Madison Dwyer – Brendan is always down to help with projects and repairs, and Madi always laughs at my jokes. They always remind me not to be afraid to get out of my comfort zone, and to find the humor in every situation. My counselor, Carey Atkinson, she’s shown me that healing is possible.

“And lastly, My Nana. I want to thank her for retiring to raise us. She loved teaching. But she loved Brendan and me more. She made so many sacrifices to be part of our lives. I want to live in a way that honors that sacrifice. I hope she knows how hard I work to be a person she would be proud of.”