PACES celebrates 17th year at “Lights on Afterschool” gathering

0
1125
Trista Peitzman of Iowa Public Television (left) addresses PACES students and their families at Thursday's "Lights on Afterschool" celebration at the Perry Elementary School.

The multi-purpose (cafeteria) room at the Perry Elementary School nearly overflowed with youngsters and family members Thursday evening, and for good reason.

Those gathered were on hand to celebrate the 17th year of PACES, or Perry Academic Cultural and Enrichment Services. Director Mary Hillman noted PACES has served over 10,000 children and offered over 200 programs since its inception in 2000.

After school programs nationwide were honored Thursday, with Perry Mayor Jay Pattee opening the local event with a proclamation saluting PACES and declaring the city “Enthusiastically endorses ‘Lights on Afterschool’ and commits our community to engage in innovative after school programs and activities that ensure that children are safe and productive when the school day ends.”

Perry Community School District Superintendent Lynn Ubben offered encouragement to the students, families and PACES staff, as did PCSD School Board President Kyle Baxter.

Special guests Pete Malmberg from Dallas County Conservation and Mary Murphy and Suzanne Kestel from the Perry Public Library were on hand as well.

Talent shows were performed by the various age groups before the students were thrilled by a visit form Trista Peitzman of Iowa Public Television. Peitzman encouraged the students to “be ready to learn all the time” and brought cheers from the youngsters with a power-point show that highlighted some obviously popular children’s programs offered by IPTV.

PACES students and staff gather on Kaufman Track at Dewey Field Wednesday. The students were walking laps to raise funds as part of the national "Lights on Afterschool" program.
PACES students and staff gather on Kaufman Track at Dewey Field Wednesday. The students were walking laps to raise funds as part of the “Lights on Afterschool” program.

Students had walked laps at Kaufman Track Wednesday as part of the fundraising efforts in conjunction with the “Lights On” celebration. Hillman noted that while final financial numbers would not be available for several days, she could proudly announce PACES had received a $6,500 grant from the Bock Foundation and another $1,000 from DaVita Dialysis.

Students from preschool through second grade had each entered a light bulb coloring contest, with the third grade holding a poster contest and the fourth and fifth grades essay contests. All students were noted for their efforts, with the winners as follows:

Preschool/TK — Reed Wuebker (1st), Lenyn Walton (2nd), Caitlyn Harland (3rd) and Berkley Rowe (Honorable Mention).

Kindergarten — Lisette Rodriguez (1st), Yaneli Torres (2nd), Evelyn Cisneros (3rd), Eli Castro (HM).

First Grade — Zaray Castro (1st), Oscar Panama (2nd), Jimena Rodriguez (3rd), Jaidyn Dillinger (HM).

Second Grade — Adamaris Rivas (1st), Fatima Andrade (2nd), Rosa Pineda (3rd), Andy Truong (HM).

Third Grade Poster — Reagan Baldwin (1st), Alexandra Rodriguez (2nd), Leobardo Delgadillo (3rd), Kimberly Perez (HM).

Fourth Grade Essay — Galilea Melena (1st), Reese Baxter (2nd), Brissa Sandoval (3rd), Janelly Sanchez (HM).

Fifth Grade Essay — Karla Herrera (1st), Luis Castro (2nd), Erika Guardado (3rd), Alexa Garcia (HM).

A light dinner was served after the awards were presented, offering friends and family to share a moment together.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.