Perry’s Academic, Cultural and Enrichment Services (PACES) program will join more than 8,000 communities and 1 million Americans next Wednesday and Thursday in celebrating the importance of afterschool programs by participating in the National Afterschool Alliance’s 25th annual Lights On Afterschool event.
This nationwide celebration calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the need for resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open. PACES has participated in all 25 years of this national event.
PACES kicks off its annual Lights on Afterschool celebration with the PLEDGES FOR PACES fundraiser walk at the PHS Kaufman Track on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 3:30-5 p.m.
Students will walk laps and ask for either your per-lap pledge or a flat-fee pledge to help support the program. Pledge sheets are available at the PACES office at Perry Elementary School, in the offices of the Perry Middle School and Perry High School, at the Perry Public Library, Perry Chamber of Commerce and the McCreary Community Building.
The annual celebration will continue Thursday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. in the Perry Elementary School multi-purpose room with a Lights on Afterschool rally program promoting how afterschool programs are keeping kids safe, improving academic achievement, building character, providing fitness and nutrition education and helping working families.
The program will include a Mayoral Proclamation, a lineup of guest speakers, including Superintendent Clark Wicks and members of the Perry School Board, along with student awards and a talent show. The PACES Partner Awards will also be given to honor those who provide great learning opportunities. The Thursday evening event will culminate with a beef burger supper starting at 6 p.m.
“The Perry schools care about a safe and educational place for students of working families before and after school,” said longtime PACES Director Mary Hillman. “That’s why the PACES program was started with 21st Century Community Learning Center Federal Grant in 2000 and now continues this past 25 years working towards being self-supported.”
Hillman said the PACES programs have supported over 10,000 students since it began in 2000, and PACES has offered over 200 different academic and enrichment programs to students besides the daily elementary learning center.
“Students involved have improved grades and attendance,” she said. “Come and be a part of our celebration!”
