We want to carry on the dream of making a difference in the lives of millions of children. The School-Age NOTES Foundation's national awards program celebrates the legacy he left. We invite you to share in the excitement of carrying out Rich's goal of improving the quality of experiences children and youth during their out of school time.
The AfterSchool Professional Network Quest for Excellence Award celebrates the contributions of those after-school heroes, supports professional development and sets a standard for excellence.
Rich
Scofield
Founder,
School-Age NOTES
Children, their families, their teachers, and all of us who knew him, lost a great friend and advocate in the passing of Rich Scofield. He served as a guiding light in the provision of quality school-age programs for over 25 years. His legacy to our field is beyond measure.
Rich will long be remembered for his trail blazing creation of School-Age NOTES newsletter and publishing company. He also provided visionary leadership as one of the founders and first vice president of the National School-Age Care Alliance (now known as the National AfterSchool Association). Rich was an inspiring public speaker, trainer, and crusader who advocated passionately for children and families. Although he usually spoke to crowds of hundreds of people at a time, he never forgot the importance of reaching out to help just one person in need. Rich was funny, lovable, and had a unique perspective on the world. His spirit was irrepressible. He, in recent years, traded in his suits and colorful ties for Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops. Integrity, generosity, and loyalty were his trademarks.
From the time he was a child, Rich loved swimming, boating, and fishing. Most of all, he loved telling stories and helping other people to be the best they could be. He graduated from University of Connecticut in 1970 and received his Masters degree in Psychology in 1979 from George Peabody College. He was married to Bonnie Johnson for almost 20 years. They shared a love of children, their neighborhood, the natural world, and spending time with their family and friends. They were devoted to their own children and grandchildren.
When those of us who love Rich find ourselves remembering the excitement he showed during teachable moments, we are inspired by his life work of advocating for nurturing environments for children. His passionate personality demanded attention whenever he was fighting for life-enhancing environments for children, school-age care professionals, for family, or in his neighborhood.
To honor the work of Rich Scofield, we can continue to support his dream and create our own personnas (which may or may not include Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops), to stand up and be noticed, and to speak in our strongest voices for quality programs and services for young children and their families.
