RALEIGH, NC (October 27, 2023)– The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs hosted a Lights On Afterschool reception on October 25 at the North Carolina Executive Mansion as part of the 25th annual national Lights On Afterschool campaign. The annual nationwide campaign celebrates afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. At the reception NC CAP recognized the 2024 North Carolina Afterschool Champions for their commitment to enriching out-of-school time programming in North Carolina. This year’s awardees are listed below.
Emerging Afterschool Champion Award for Early Career Afterschool Professionals:
Sara Jarrell, Director of the Worx Project at Camp Grier in Buncombe County
Distinguished Afterschool Champion Award for Mid-Career Afterschool Professionals:
Pam Hyatt, Director of the Dream Center of Randolph County
Lifetime Afterschool Champion Award for Lifelong Afterschool Professionals:
Hugh McLean, Vice President of Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County
Afterschool Catalyst Award for Community Changemakers:
The Roanoke Valley Afterschool Collaborative (led by Shannon McAllister of the John 3:16 Center) in Halifax, Northampton, and Warren Counties
The event also featured student speakers who shared how afterschool and out-of-school time programs have positively impacted them and their families, remarks from Representative Lindsay Prather and Sr. Education Advisor to the office of the and Governor 2023 Afterschool Champion Geoff Coltrane and a pre-recorded address from Governor Roy Cooper. Governor Cooper also issued a proclamation officially recognizing October 24, 2024 as Lights On Afterschool Day in North Carolina.
“Afterschool and summer programs like StudentU aren’t just helpful; they’re vital. They help prepare students for what’s to come and to make sure that they have the resources to succeed right now. Most of all, they give students a space and belong and a place to be seen,” remarked J.D. Clement Early College student Gabriel Wimberly.
“Experiences [in STEM, leadership and the arts through out-of-school time programming] fuel my passion for creating opportunities that bring students together to learn and to grow, which leads me to share my gratitude for all of the afterschool educators in the room today,” said South Iredell High School student and NC Flight Crew member Indu Gadiraju. “You are the ones who ignite the sparks of curiosity, the ones who foster lifelong passions, hobbies and careers. You’ve patiently encouraged me to keep making pottery even after several distorted pinch pots. You’ve kindled my curiosity by introducing me to robotics, and I wouldn’t be where I am without your contributions and efforts to making North Carolina afterschool programs such a powerful force for learning and discovery.”
Learn more about the annual national Lights on Afterschool campaign here.
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About the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs
Established in 2002, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs is a comprehensive statewide afterschool and expanded learning network working in collaboration with stakeholders across North Carolina to increase access to high-quality afterschool and expanded learning programs for all children and youth in North Carolina, especially for those at-risk of education failure. NC CAP’s key partners include out-of-school time (OST) providers, state agencies, state and local policymakers, law enforcement, universities and community colleges, business, and the philanthropic community. NC CAP supports out-of-school time professionals by providing high-quality professional development, technical assistance, and resources; informs stakeholders and policymakers about the benefits of out-of-school time programming and its impacts on students in the state of North Carolina; convenes communities and key parkers around out-of-school time issues; and advocates at local, state, and federal levels for expanding afterschool access, opportunity, and equity. (To learn more, please visit https://ncafterschool.org/.)
About the Public School Forum of North Carolina
Since our founding in 1986 as a nonpartisan “think and do tank,” the Public School Forum of North Carolina has been a champion of better schools and one of the most trusted sources in the state for research and analysis on vital education issues. In order to provide meaningful action on our state’s most important public education issues, we bring together leaders from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, and ultimately inform and shape education policy. We do this through research, policy work, innovative programs, advocacy, and continuing education for educators and policymakers. Follow us on social media at @theNCForum and visit our website at http://www.ncforum.org/
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