Lights On AfterSchool program at Highland Elementary

Lights On Afterschool Rally was held Oct. 18 at Highland Elementary.
Highland Elementary 21st Century CommunityLearning Centers STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) Academy held a science fair as part of Lights On Afterschool.
The 21st CCLC STEAM Academy’s Lights on Afterschool event welcomed special guests. The Eunice High Emeralds dance team performed a dance number for the tudents. Lady and Gentleman EHS Bruisers shook hands with students.
The students also participated in a “mini” walk around the school campus, representing the annual Take Back The Night, violence awareness against women event. At the end of the walk, they released balloons in rememberance to those victims of violence.
The annual nationwide rally for afterschool programs is expected to see more than 1 million Americans attend more than 8,000 events this year. 
Highland Elementary’s 21st CCLC STEAM Academy currently serves 34 youths in Eunice, providing them a safe place to go after the school day ends.
Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. According to data from the Afterschool Alliance, 15.1 million children are without adult supervision in the afternoon hours.
Another guest speaker at the rally was Philomena Bernard, a retired school counselor in St. Landry Parish schools and an active NAUW-Branch member.
Bernard told the group of students that learning is much like a light bulb. “A light bulb turns off and on. If you break the light bulb, sometimes it is accidently – the break. Sometimes mistakes or accidents happen, but you learn from your mistakes. When you forget to study for a test, you will as a result, test poorly. Don’t make the same mistake. Learn from your mistakes. Always try to do your best in everything you do. Turn on your light bulb, don’t break the light bulb.”
Teachers for the program include Shelsy Williams, Jaimie Lavergne, Parveen Kaur and LaRhonda Simpson. Principal at Highland Elementary is Lorie LeDoux.