HCDE News

CASE for Kids Throws a Fiesta and Explores the Future of Afterschool at End-of-Year Celebration

HCDE Communications

CASE for Kids embraced a fiesta theme End-of-Year celebration on May 5 as the division welcomed more than 150 out-of-school-time providers to the Children's Museum. Guests could network with various programs and explore ways to bring new activities to their students. The day wrapped with the Spirit of Excellence award ceremony, which honored six programs, providers, and volunteers who go above and beyond for Harris County students.

What better way to celebrate out-of-school time programming than spending the day at the Children’s Museum Houston, surrounded by exhibits and games meant to inspire people to explore the world around them and learn about everything it has to offer.  

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CASE for Kids embraced a fiesta theme End-of-Year celebration on May 5 as the division welcomed more than 150 out-of-school-time providers to the Children’s Museum.
Afterschool professionals received an opportunity to explore the Children’s Museums exhibits and games throughout the day to gain inspiration for their own programs.
Members of the Clear Creek Independent School District afterschool team photographed with League City Position 4 City Council member Courtney Chadwell, center back.
Guests were able to network with various programs and explore ways to bring new activities to their students.

The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids welcomed more than 150 partners and afterschool staff from various CASE-funded sites to its end-of-year celebration on May 5. Children’s Museum Houston was transformed into a vibrant fiesta-inspired space filled with color, culture and community collaboration.  

The day started with a networking portion, during which attendees shared successful strategies, learned about available partnerships or caught up with old friends working in another district. Afterwards, their science knowledge was tested during Mr. O’s “O Wow Moments,” where the science guru led them through an interactive coffee-making activity, encouraging attendees to answer questions about Earth’s elements.  

CASE for Kids Senior Director Dr. Lisa Caruthers delivered the State of Afterschool address, which encouraged professionals to advocate for out-of-school-time activities and pledged the division’s assistance to help sites build new partnerships and empower teams with skills to ensure students don’t experience service gaps.  

“As we look forward, we want to help you build your portfolio and document the work you’re doing because afterschool programming is important.” Caruthers said.  

Professionals were excited to learn that CASE for Kids will launch a new college and career readiness program for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the classroom with elementary students. Harris County Department of Education will provide funds for the program, including a stipend for students’ work, simulating real-world experience.  

CASE for Kids Senior Director Dr. Lisa Caruthers, center, photographed with the 2025 Spirit of Excellence Afterschool Awardees.

Every year, the division recognizes community partners for their work with CASE for Kids. The following Spirit of Excellence Afterschool Awards were given during the celebration:   

Outstanding Achievement by an Afterschool Coordinator: Tanisha “Tish” McDaniel with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston 

Outstanding Leadership by an Afterschool Campus Administrator: Devin Jamesson with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston 

Outstanding Achievement by an Afterschool Frontline Staff Member: Álvaro Carrillo with El Sistema Texas 

Outstanding Achievement by an Afterschool Service Provider: Chef Crystalyn Jordan with Moonlyte Cooking 

Innovative Practices Champion: Walter Hull with U.S. Dream Academy 

Community Partner/Volunteer Champion: Officer Josephine Jones with Houston Police 

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