MADISON, Wis. — Last year alone, more than 12,000 people benefitted from at least 1.5 million hours of support provided by Madison-area Out-of-School Time (MOST) educators, coaches and youth workers, according to the organization.

The group is a collaboration between the City of Madison, Dane County, Madison Metropolitan School District, and more than 45 youth-serving organizations. It provides educational and recreational classes, activities and programs before and after school for kids and teens.

Several MOST workers and volunteers were honored for their dedication to youth development during an Aug. 28 awards ceremony. 

What You Need To Know

  • Eleven youth workers in Madison were recognized for their exceptional contributions at the 2024 Youth Worker Awards, with Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway presenting the honors
  • Arionna C. Davis from Lussier Community Education Center was among the awardees, praised for her innovative approach to supporting middle school students through challenging circumstances
  • The awards ceremony emphasized the importance of Madison-area Out-of-School Time (MOST) programs, which last year provided over 1.5 million hours of support to more than 12,000 Madison youth
  • The event also featured the presentation of two "Legacy" awards for lifetime dedication and recognized three "Legends of Out-of-School Time" for their longstanding contributions

Arionna Davis was one of them. She’s a middle school teacher at the Lussier Community Education Center.

Davis, 24, said she tries to be a source of support and positivity for her students, rather than just a teacher. She said many of the kids she works with face significant challenges at home.

“Some of them have no hope,” Davis said. “And I’m here to give them hope.”

Davis said she tries to connect with young people through activities and games. She said she always teaches new students the ancient board game Mancala. She said she is a firm believer that it helps build their critical thinking skills, while also offering a chance to focus on something outside of their everyday lives.  

“Mancala is kind of like a strategizing game, but for me, it’s a mindfulness game as well,” Davis said. “It helps them on all types of levels.”

Davis is also known for stepping up to help her students get school supplies. Davis fundraised, then organized and distributed backpacks filled with items students will need for the year ahead.

“I’m very passionate about the impact that I’m making, the impact that I’m going to make, and just the work that I do overall,” Davis said.

Davis pointed to her own experiences growing up with limited resources in inner-city Chicago, for fueling her commitment to support young people. She said she tells her students about her own challenges growing up to help them know they are not alone and that they can overcome them.  

“Because all in all, I’m the leader and they’re going to try to follow me,” Davis said. “And by me being younger in this field, it’s a lot easier to connect with them on the level that they’re on, and also teach them something that they don’t know.”

Ashleigh Hubert, a family liaison at the Lussier Community Education Center, expressed deep pride in Davis’ achievements.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’m going to let you get your shine on,” Hubert told Davis. “Representation matters and keeping it real.”

As part of the award, Davis got $500. She said she appreciates the honor but does not do this work for the money or recognition.

“I just want to continue to be strong and successful,” she said, echoing the message she imparts to her students daily.

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