Raising Hill AFB children celebrated

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith
  • 75 ABW/Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Twenty-seven dedicated family child care providers were recognized during a picnic at the Log Cabin May 10, 2008, for having a big hand in raising some Hill Air Force Base children. 

The daycare providers, all of whom provide daycare in their homes, received certificates and gifts on behalf of grateful, working parents who trust the providers to care for their loved ones. 

"(Family child care providers) receive such little recognition throughout the year," said Stephanie Hern, Family Child Care Coordinator. "They work hard, and they definitely deserve a day for themselves." 

Picnic guests were treated to traditional American cook out food in addition to orange chicken and some other Asian specialties. A dessert table full of all different kinds of goodies was the favorite hangout of many younger attendees. 

After the meal, each daycare provider was recognized individually with a certificate of appreciation and a cooler gift bag of items including puppets, books, candy and other treats.
 
Following the certificates of appreciation, Mrs. Hern called all of the nominees for the Hill Air Force Base Family Child Care Provider of the Year Award to the front of the room. After a long round of applause for all of the nominees, Mindy Maquet was announced as the winner. 

"I'm so surprised," said Mrs. Maquet. "It means a lot to me. I work really hard to take good care of the kids and their parents, and it's great to be recognized." 

Mrs. Maquet said her typical day starts before 6:15 a.m. and ends after 4:45 p.m. She has seen many kids in and out of her home during her 12 years as a provider, and she currently has five full-time children and one part-time child to watch in addition to three children of her own.
 
"This is the best job I could ever have," said Mrs. Maquet. "It's hard to put into words. I'm still in shock about winning this award."

According to Mrs. Hern, Mrs. Maquet's paperwork package for provider of the year will now compete with other packages at Air Force Material Command level. A win there would mean competition at Air Force level; a place where Mrs. Hern can't recall a Hill AFB package competing.