Champion for Childhood

The Champion for Childhood Award recognizes individuals who have positively impacted the lives of children and families in our region. This year’s selected nominees and the award recipient will be recognized on September 25 & 26, 2026, during the Early Childhood Summit at West Shore Community College. We will be accepting nominations for the 2026 Champion for Childhood Award in the summer of 2026.

Congratulations to our 2025 Recipients -

Amy Taranko and Nicole Iteen earned the Champion for Children award for 2025. The Champion for Childhood Award recognizes individuals who have positively impacted the lives of children and families in our communities.

The Champion for Childhood award is presented to individuals within the 5 county region of WSCC. The award recognizes individuals who have positively impacted the lives of children and families. 

Amy Taranko - Amy is WSESD Asst. Superintendent of Instructional Services (Gen. Ed.). She was instrumental in advocating for early childhood education because she deeply understands the foundational importance of the early years in shaping a child’s future. She is committed to ensuring that young children receive the high-quality experiences they deserve, and she recognizes that this begins with strong, supported educators.

Amy uses her voice and platform to communicate these successes and challenges to administrators and state leaders, helping to secure the resources, recognition, and policy support necessary for impactful early learning environments. Through her advocacy, Amy not only champions children but also empowers the professionals who serve them every day.

Nicole Iteen - Nicole is a caring and dedicated teacher who always puts the children and families first. She works hard to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone. Nicole builds strong relationships with students and parents through her kindness, communication, and reliability.

She consistently goes above and beyond, often staying late to make sure everything is prepared and running smoothly. Nicole has been an important part of Oaktree Academy from the beginning, helping support children and families through many changes, including the pandemic and organizational transitions. Her passion, commitment, and love for working with children continue to make a positive impact on the school community.

Thank you for making a difference!