More than 8,000 communities and more than 1 million Americans will be joining the National Afterschool Alliance in the 18th annual Light on Afterschool celebration.
PACES (Perry’s Academic Cultural and Enrichment Services) exists to keep kids safe and help working families. PACES aids students in building character and improving academic achievement while introducing fitness and nutrition education.
Begun in 2000, PACES continues to work toward self-sufficiency. More than 10,000 Perry youth have been helped by the more than 200 academic and other programs PACES has offered.
PACES students participated Wednesday in the Pledges for PACES walk-a-thon at Kaufman Track. Students walked laps from 3-5 p.m., having gathered pledges for each circuit completed while also generating flat donations.
The Perry Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room will be the site for Thursday’s Lights on Afterschool celebration. Beginning at 5 p.m., the hour-long event will feature a Mayoral Proclamation, Superintendent Clark Wicks, Perry School Board Members and a guest speaker.
Student awards will be presented and a talent show held. Pre-K through second grade students are participating in a light bulb coloring contest, with third grade students having created posters while students in grades 4-5 have written essays.
A beef burger dinner, in cooperation with Blank Children’s Hospital Outreach Department, will also be held.
