About Us | Amarillo Bear Paw

Our Team

Darlene Martin

Executive Director

Danny McWhorter

Volunteer

Janice Trew

Volunteer

Janie Esler

Volunteer

Nancy Kritser

Fast Food Coordinator

SueDell McWhorter

Volunteer

Suzanne Wallace

Volunteer

Karyn Johnson

Volunteer

Carol Rohane

Lead Teacher

Carole Thorn

Volunteer

Jay Arredondo

Director of games

Liz Mozola

Volunteer

Ann Palmer

Volunteer

Jan Price

Volunteer

Sherry Burgess

Volunteer

Melodee Campbell

Volunteer

Bri Pope

Volunteer

Kelli Bullard

Volunteer

Barbara Maxwell

Volunteer

Our Journey

2022 Bear Paw Established

Bear Paws was founded as part of WPC on February 22nd, 2022 to support students of Austin Middle School.

Reached a grand total of 12 volunteers.

16 students in attendance in May 2022.

2023 Program Inception

Judge Nancy Tanner and the Potter County Charitable Grants Program awarded a significant grant to Bear Paws from Covid relief funds.

First full school year for the program.

Received a Catalyst Grant from the Amarillo Area Foundation for program support.

Participated in our first The Panhandle Gives Campaign

2024 Ongoing Community Impact

Our vision is that all students who participate in Bear PAWS during their years at Austin Middle School will be prepared to enter high school as Christ followers, committed to doing their best to be socially and academically responsible while exhibiting leadership and decision making skills. We ended with 42 students regularly attending and a record enrollment of 75 students.

The school year ended in May 2024 with 42 students regularly attending.

Christmas party for the students.

Valentines party for students and their family members with 85 in attendance.

Amarillo Bear Paws, Inc was awarded IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

Darlene Martin named Executive Director.

The 2024-25 school year began with a record enrollment of 75 students.

Participating in 2024 The Panhandle Gives.

We continue to grow!

2025 Ongoing Community Impact

Our volunteers were awarded the AISD Community Impact award for those in our community making a difference and encouraging others to do the same.

The school year ended in May 2025 with 73 students regularly attending.

Valentine party for students and their families hosted 80 in attendance.

We were apart of Rogers Lead WT helping future leaders.

We served 2415 meals and 1953 Dr.Peppers

Christmas party for the students.

2026 Ongoing Community Impact

Our volunteer team was named a finalist for the Amarillo ISD Partners in Education Warren Kincaid Award for Champions for Youth for two consecutive years. While many volunteer programs are seasonal or sporadic, this team's commitment to serving our school every Tuesday provides a reliable source of encouragement and support. They have become a consistent presence in the lives of our students and provide a blueprint for what caring adults look like in today's world.

‍‍– Brandi Ray, Principal