The 19th annual “Lights On Afterschool” event was held in the Perry Elementary multipurpose room Thursday evening to cap off a two-day celebration of the successes of Perry’s Academic, Cultural, and Enrichment Services (PACES) program.

PACES Director Mary Hillman said there are currently 130 students in the program, which spans pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The “Lights On Afterschool” celebration started Wednesday afternoon with the “Pledges for PACES” walk around the high school track. The students walked laps to raise money for the program, and though Hillman hadn’t yet tabulated the final tally, she’s hopeful they reached $2,000 raised for PACES. The festivities continued Thursday with the celebration event, which included: speeches by Perry Mayor John Andorf, Superintendent Clark Wicks, and Library Director Mary Murphy; a talent show with performances by each grade level; awards for the light bulb coloring, poster, and essay contests; and a dinner for the families.

Hillman felt both days of this year’s “Lights On Afterschool” event were huge successes, thanks mostly to the extensive participation. “Every year we get more and more attendance from parents and families, and just the students themselves get so excited. (I) think it’s really important to understand the importance and significance of a very comprehensive before and after school program. And I think highlighting an event like this and knowing it’s celebrating across the whole United States, really I think acknowledges the need for quality care for students, support to families, and support to school districts.”

Hillman added, she appreciates the support from the local media, including Raccoon Valley Radio, for helping PACES get the word out about their fundraising and celebration events like “Lights On Afterschool.”

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