Athena Reynolds has been selected as the 2018 Cochise First Things First Champion for Young Children.
The award is given to local champions who actively volunteer their time to raise public awareness of the importance of early childhood development and health. Champions spend a significant amount of time volunteering with FTF and building public awareness about the importance of early childhood issues.
Reynolds engaged in awareness-raising efforts such as:
- Engaging state representatives and local elected officials through email about the importance of early childhood development and health.
- Serving as overall general advocate for young children and their families in Cochise County.
- Distributing early childhood material at events within her circle and speaking about early care and education at those events.
We recently caught up with Reynolds, who is a substitute paraprofessional for the Sierra Vista Unified School District.
Question: Why do you feel early childhood development and health is so important?
Answer: Children are our future and we have to nourish their brains so they are successful in the future. Early childhood development and health is a critical foundation to create functional adults.
Question: How do you suggest other people in your community get involved?
Answer: Individuals should search out what they are passionate about and volunteer their time.
