
Lights On Afterschool is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of afterschool students and draws attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon.
Through a partnership with the Prime Time PBC Advocacy Committee and the School District of Palm Beach County Departments of Afterschool Programming and Safe Schools, the annual national Lights On Afterschool commemoration put a spotlight on afterschool programs around Palm Beach County with a series of events:
- October 4, 2011 - representatives of the Prime Time PBC Advocacy Committee accepted a Proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners at the Board Chambers
- October 19, 2011 - School District elementary and middle school students accepted a proclamation from the Superintendent and Board Members and read essays on “What Brightens Their Day in Afterschool.”
- October 20, 2011 - the public attended a celebratory rally from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the West Palm Beach City Center Plaza Courtyard. Students performed, and testimonials by former students were shared. Strong voices for afterschool advocacy included local celebrities, Palm Beach County and School District dignitaries.
For the fifth year in a row, the Empire State Building was bathed in yellow light in support of the nationwide Lights On Afterschool rally, along with local landmarks around the nation, among them 17 winners of the "Light Up a Landmark" contest sponsored by jcpenney. More information on the Afterschool Alliance and Lights On Afterschool is available at http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/.
Watch this video from the Lights On rally held by Prime Time on October 20, 2011, at the West Palm Beach City Center Plaza Courtyard. |
Many afterschool programs held Lights On events at their school site:
- Jupiter Farms Elementary hosted a kids night, which included a dance contest, a display of student artwork, club sign-ups, crafts, and refreshments.
- Lighthouse Elementary hosted an essay reading as well as a spelling bee.
- Freedom Shores hosted a superhero party, which included refreshments. Donations of new pajamas were also accepted for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.
- Citrus Cove created a slideshow showcasing their festivities. Click here to view.






