“Lights On Afterschool” Annual Rally

(Newburgh) - The Glenn E Hines Memorial Boys & Girls Club hosted a “Lights on Afterschool” rally last Thursday. The rally was one of more than 7,500 going on throughout the country during the sixth anniversary of “Lights on Afterschool.”
The Mistresses of Ceremonies for the event, Malaysia Hill (5th Grade GH Member) and Ayanna Franklin (6th Grade GH Member), introduced the many speakers who explored the concerns and issues in expanding after school opportunities to all children. Representing government, from the City of Newburgh was Mayor Nick Valentine and Sara Espinosa from the Office of Children & Family Services; Speaking on behalf of the Glenn Hines Board of Directors was President Henrietta Warner; Representing the Orange County Youth Bureau was Richard Logan; and from the education sector was North Junior High School Principal Ronald Jackson.

Their presence supported the rally’s effort to showcase the importance of after school programs and underscored the need for quality after school programs for all children. After school programs provide a safe and positive place for kids to receive homework assistance, tutoring, various classes, club sports and recreation.

Ms. Espinosa pointed to the statistics that say, kids that participate in after school programs get better grades, are less likely to get in trouble and are less likely to become pregnant.

Ms. Warner, speaking directly to the children, repeated what she constantly reminds them each and every day. “There is no such thing as you can’t. Let them know you can achieve anything you want to. Set your mind to it and you can do it,” she said with emphasis.
While happy to see all the children present, Ronald Jackson was especially glad to see the large number of young Black males. Jackson, a product himself of after school programs where he met positive people, emphasized the need to persevere. “Whatever you do, never give up. Strive for success,” Jackson told the youth. Concluding he said, “Read, read, read! And be responsible, be respectful and be ready.”
Parents, staff and alumni also came out in support of after school programs, to help send the message that after school programs are the key to a child’s success. “We must keep after school lights on and doors open,” Sara Espinosa said, to help improve academic achievement and provide a safe place for kids after school that inspires talent.

Participating agencies in the “Lights on Afterschool” rally included: The Glenn Hines Boys & Girls Club, The City of Newburgh’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Newburgh Youth Bureau, Orange County College Center for Youth Development, Newburgh Family YMCA, YWCA Orange County, Orange County Youth Bureau, Child Care Council of Orange County and Hudson Health Plan.

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Pictured Above: Henrietta Warner, Glenn Hines Board of Directors President and North Junior High School Principal Ronald Jackson at the “Lights on Afterschool” event.