Who: Peggy Jo Bane, Program Director at Northridge Middle School
Years of Experience: 6.5 years with AYS
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Season: Summer because of swimming and sun.
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with AYS?
A: Seeing the kids have so much fun. That just brings joy to me. And the idea that I see them reaching their potential. We have Pre-K up to 5th grade. Just the joy of that. I love working with children. Teaching is just my thing. Here [at AYS], it’s teaching plus a lot of fun.
Q: What is the most memorable AYS story from your time here?
A: I had a girl named Hannah for several years. She is in middle school now. If she walks by our room, she comes in to make sure she walks by and gives us a hug. We were with her for so many years, she just loves us so much. In our program, they always come back to give us a quick hug or a quick hi. That’s bonding that really lasts a lifetime, I hope.
Q: Why are the kids special?
A: We just love working with them so much. Just watching them not understand the concept at all, but then really getting it… it’s like that light switched on in their head. I see that so often.