Over 8,000 communities and one million Americans will be joined by Perry’s Academic Cultural and Enrichment Services (PACES) program October 17 and 18 in celebrating the significance and importance of after school offerings during the National Afterschool Alliance’s 19th annual Lights On Afterschool celebrations.
PACES students will walk laps at Kaufman Track October 17 from 3-5 p.m. as part of their “Pledges For PACES” fundraiser. Students will be busy until the event gathering pledges, either for the number of laps walked for a flat fee. Pledge sheets area available at the PACES office at Perry Elementary, in both the middle and high school offices, the Perry Public Library, Perry Chamber of Commerce and the McCreary Community Building.
The fun will continue October 18 with the annual Lights On Afterschool rally program from 5-6 p.m. at the Perry Elementary multi-purpose room. The celebration will promote how PACES works at keeping kids safe, improving their academic achievement, building character, providing fitness and nutrition education and aiding working families.
The rally will include a proclamation from Perry Mayor John Andorf, with Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks expected to address the crowd. Perry School Board members and PACES Partners and Alumni will also be present. A talent show will be held and student awards given, with a beef burger supper culminating the evening, the meal being served and provided in cooperation with PACES partner Blank Children’s Hospital Outreach Department.
