Published: October 26, 2008 12:35 am            

Afterschool Rocks!

On October 16, a million Americans in 7,500 communities held Lights On Afterschool events to rally for more afterschool programs for our kids. In New York City, they bathed the Empire State Building in bright yellow light. In Dallas, they staged a carnival at the zoo.

Here in Meridian, hundreds of kids enjoyed a performance by Atlantic Records artist Cupid, provided by 105.7 The Beat, and the finale of the third Peavey Afterschool (Not) Idle youth singing competition at the MSU Riley Center, organized by our team at Peavey with generous sponsorship from The Radio People, The Meridian Star and WTOK-TV.

Alex Goldman of Meridian came out on top to win a free professional recording session at Peavey’s Nashville HQ, while two other finalists—Cecilee Crain of Meridian and Jodi McKeithen of Collinsville—both won Peavey guitar and amplifier packages. Congratulations are due to the entire group of ’08 contestants. We are proud of you!

With the help of State Representative Greg Snowden and many in our community, we took another big step forward this year by becoming the first state in the nation to offer its drivers the ‘Afterschool Is Key’ specialty car tag. The tags are available now from county tax collectors for a $31 fee, of which $24 goes to support afterschool programs in the state. We encourage all Mississippi drivers to give our kids the keys to success by purchasing this special tag!

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. They are a good investment because they steer youth away from trouble and into activities that help them become productive, successful citizens. An investment in afterschool programs is an investment in our youth and our future.

Thanks again to our partners for helping make Lights On Afterschool 2008 another wonderful day for our children and community, and to Governor Haley Barbour for declaring Oct. 16, 2008 Lights On Afterschool Day across the state.



Mary Peavey

President, Peavey Electronics Corporation

Board of Directors, Afterschool Alliance

        

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