SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently gathered team members from across the organization for a Professional Development Day held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of individuals who continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Western Mass.

As part of the celebration, HCS Head Start presented three Head Start Hero Awards recognizing extraordinary service and commitment to the organization’s mission.

One of the honorees was Sandra Zieminski, a long-time volunteer who has supported numerous initiatives throughout the years. Among her many contributions, Zieminski has played a significant role in supporting the organization’s “All I Want for Christmas” campaign, helping bring joy and support to families during the holiday season.

Also recognized was Christina Compton, site director for the Parkside Early Learning Center in Ludlow, Westover Early Learning Center in Chicopee, and Robinson Gardens Early Learning Center in Springfield. Compton is retiring after a 25-year career with HCS Head Start. Her passion for this work began years ago while living in West Berlin, Germany, on an Army post after the birth of her son. Being far from family and navigating life without childcare support gave her a deep understanding of the importance of early childhood services and family support systems. A graduate of Cambridge College, she has spent her career supporting children, families, and educators across multiple communities.

Juana Santiago, a teacher retiring from HCS Head Start, was also honored. Santiago began her career with the organization in 1995 as a teacher assistant and has dedicated nearly three decades to supporting young learners. When asked what she has loved and will miss most about her career, her answer was simple and heartfelt: “the children.”

The organization also announced the recipient of the 2026 Janis Santos Scholarship, an annual scholarship created to support current HCS staff, parents, and Head Start alumni pursuing education in the early childhood field. This year’s scholarship recipient is Diana Learned, a teacher at the Parkside Early Learning Center. She is currently pursuing her education at Bay Path University with the long-term goal of entering the field of special education. Her connection to HCS Head Start spans generations and experiences. She was once a Head Start student herself and later became a Head Start parent, both at the Parkside center where she now works. Learned joined HCS Head Start in October 2012 and previously served as chair of the organization’s policy council before joining the staff team.

“HCS Head Start has always been powered by passionate people who care deeply about children, families, and one another,” CEO Nicole Blais said. “These recognitions reflect the heart of our organization and the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters.”

In addition to the Professional Development Day recognitions, HCS Head Start is also celebrating two additional accomplishments from members of its leadership team.

Alisha Durocher recently graduated from the Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute, a 12-week leadership development program through Western New England University designed to strengthen skills in communication, strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership in today’s evolving business environment.

Meanwhile, Blais was recently honored at the Human Services Leadership Summit with the Human Services Innovation Award. The recognition celebrates leaders across Massachusetts who are making a meaningful impact within the human services field through innovation, leadership, and commitment to community.

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start recently announced the 2025 recipient of its Janis Santos Scholarship.

Three years ago, the organization launched this annual recognition, created by Santos, former CEO of HCS Head Start, to help address the shortage of early childhood teachers. Knowing the importance of supporting this profession, Santos established this scholarship to support current HCS staff, parents, and all Head Start alumni who are pursuing a degree in early education and care but may be encountering financial hardship.

Santos, along with Nicole Blais, HCS Head Start’s current CEO, awarded the 2025 honor to Barbara Torres Marzan. She has been with HCS Head Start for close to four years and is currently an infant/toddler teacher. She was presented with the $2,000 scholarship to continue her studies at Springfield Technical Community College.

Previous honorees include Mayra Felix, who recently completed her bachelor’s degree at Springfield College, and Notavious Andino-Galarza-Perez, who is currently studying at Columbia University.

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is once again participating in the Week of the Young Child, the purpose of which is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and families and to recognize the early-childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Originally created in 1971 by the National Assoc. for the Education of Young Children in an effort to recognize that the early-childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life, this week continues as an annual event celebrating early learning.

HCS Head Start prepares preschool children not only for kindergarten, but for life. According to the Brookings Institute (2016), children who attend Head Start have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the organization has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

“All the data reinforces how a child’s earliest years are fundamental in shaping their learning and development, yet never before have the needs of young children and their families in our community been more pressing,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start.

In addition to early-education services, as a multi-service agency, HCS Head Start provides comprehensive programs, services, and support for children and their families, with programs including cooking, money management, parenting classes, a healthy relationships program, and more.

HCS Head Start has planned a fun-filled week of happenings celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Children enrolled in HCS Head Start will enjoy Week of the Young Child with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.

The festivities also include storytime guest readers. While some guest readers are still pending, confirmed guests include HCS Head Start board members, members of the organization’s health advisory board, and two area mayors: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno today, April 8, at 9 a.m. at Carew Street Head Start Center, 65 Carew St., Springfield; and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Grove Early Learning Center, 216 Broadway St., Chicopee.

In addition, Head Start families are invited to Ride the Wellness Wave, a free health and safety resource fair hosted by HCS Head Start’s health team on Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carew Street Head Start Center at 65 Carew St., Springfield. Local community organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources to families in an effort to continue to promote the importance of overall health and wellness for young children and their families.