10-12-11 —     The Wayne County 21st Century Learning Program has been recognized nationally and will be one of 10 schools across the country to receive a $1,000 award from the National After School Alliance and their sponsor, JC Penney.

    A Lights on After School Celebration will be held at the Wayne County Middle School on Thursday, October 20.

    The community is invited and encouraged to attend an open house and festivities beginning at 6 p.m. The culminating event will take place at 7:30 p.m. when hundreds of balloons, along with hot-air lanterns made by students, will be released into the night sky. An actual hot- air balloon will also be on campus and lift off simultaneously.

    "We are very excited to have been chosen as a Spotlight winner in the Lights on Afterschool-Light Up contest," said Katherine Kidd, site coordinator for Wayne County's program. "As far as we know, no program in Kentucky has ever won an award in this contest, so we are super excited about celebrating it."

    The local community will be joining one million Americans and 7,500 communities nationwide in celebrating the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families during the 12th annual Lights on Afterschool special event.

    "We have a great program here," said Kim Gooch, project director for Wayne County's 21st Century program. "We are able to offer so many things to kids that they otherwise wouldn't be able to do. They can take piano lessons; learn to create animated videos; participate in a drama production; receive tutoring and mentoring; go on special outings and more…all because we have 21st Century funding…otherwise these opportunities would not be available. Our schools couldn't afford these luxuries and they are simply not available to every student in our community. We are thrilled to be able to highlight what is going on right here through this national award!"

    The Wayne County 21st Century Learning program is made possible through a grant from Kentucky Department of Education's 21st Century Funds. Students in grades 5-8 can participate in after school and summer programs including homework help, arts, music, technology, physical activity, reading, social, field trips and exploratory offerings. For more information about the 21st Century Program, the Spotlight Award or the Lights on Afterschool Celebration, please contact Kim Gooch at (606) 348-6211 or Katherine Kidd at (606) 348-6691.