Chagrin Falls Park Community Center’s after school program, Young Scholars, participated in the 14th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration on October 17, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the community center, located at 7060 Woodland Avenue, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Students, parents, teachers, neighbors, elected officials and others joined the Center’s staff to help rally support for safe, stimulating after school programs.
Lights On Afterschool is an event that was started by the Afterschool Alliance to promote the benefits of after school programs in local communities. This annual event has grown to include thousands of community programs across the United States. Afterschool programs are the key to children’s success; started in 2006, Young Scholars empowers underserved students in grades 1-8 and focuses on academic tutoring, social skills, self esteem, and recreation.
The celebration began with a ceremony recognizing the importance of after school programs and the achievements of Young Scholars. Following the ceremony, participants had the opportunity to experience a simulated after school day. According to Education Director William Wallace, “Tonight showed that Young Scholars impacts the lives of individuals beyond those we serve directly; the tutors, volunteers, and staff all grow by participating in the program.”
The ceremony featured guest speakers and elected representatives. Matthew Lynch and John Barnes from the Ohio House of Representatives attended along with Dan McClelland, the Geauga County Sheriff, and representatives from the Geauga County Commissioners, Bainbridge Township Trustees, and Kenston School Local District. The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Jimmie Woody, an actor/director/producer/teacher from Northeast Ohio. Mr. Woody earned his MFA from Colombia University and taught at various schools in both Cleveland and New York City.
Following the ceremony, participants engaged in ‘Scholar Sessions’ – a set of rotations meant to simulate the types of activities that students do during the week. Groups had the opportunity to play math, reading, and recreation games, decorate a pumpkin generously donated by Lowe’s Greenhouse, and eat a meal prepared and served by students in our high school Career and Academic Achievement Program.
