There was lots of fun and action during the second annual Lights On Afterschool celebration on the south steps

of the Captiol building today as participating schools "strutted" their stuff, showing the many ways students have

benefitted from the program.

The program offers an alternative to children that would be returning home from school at a time when their parents

are not there becaue of their work schedule.

The event highlighted the creativity and energy of the kids using the program.

On October 22, 2009 the Nation will celebrate Lights on Afterschool. In New York, the Empire State Building

will be lit up for the third consecutive year in honor of Lights on Afterschool. This year, for the first time, city

officials in Los Angeles will light the historic Lindbergh Beacon atop City Hall, so that national landmarks on

both coasts will be lit up in celebration of after school programs. California leads the nation with over 1,000

celebrations.

DeVon Bryant, Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento, helped the Twin Rivers

Unified School District raise the banner at their display booth. The Boys

and Girls Club has four after-school sites in that school district.

Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, holds the  "After School Champion" award presented

to him by Gordon Jackson, Director of Learning Supports Division, CA Dept. of Education.

Eigth grade student Melanie Sanders and high school student, Jaled Love received "After School Excellence" awards.

Trao Thao and Kelly Stowers received "After School Committment" awards.

Members of the Youth Guitar Performance, associated with the Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento and the Teichert

Branch, strummed the the strings for the audience.

Members of the Cedar Lane Elementary performed hip hop.

Students from Johnson Park and Arvboga Elementary Schools in Marysville

demonstrated what they've learned in martial arts. 

California leads the Nation with registered Lights on Afterschool Celebrations!

California has over 1050 registered celebrations, over 400 more celebrations

than any other state.

Photos | Kati Garner

(My sister, Leslie Garner, is on staff with Sacramento START, a participant in

today's event.)