Governor Bill Haslam has named October 25th Lights On Afterschool Day in Tennessee to recognize the role afterschool programs play in helping children develop social, emotional, physical and academic skills. The proclamation was requested by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, a steering committee member of the Tennessee Afterschool Network.

In Murfreesboro, the Boys and Girls Club and the extended school programs at Hobgood, Siegel, John Pittard and Bradley Academy will be participating in the programs.

In his proclamation, the governor stated, "The citizens of the state of Tennessee stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they provide safe, challenging and engaging learning experiences." He further noted that, "The state of Tennessee and the Tennessee Afterschool Network have provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults."

On and around October 25th, children, parents and business and community leaders across our state will come together to celebrate the achievements of afterschool students and programming. "There are more than 160 events planned across Tennessee. We anticipate thousands of children and families participating, with attendance from legislators, mayors, commissioners, school board members, and local celebrities," said Mary Graham, president of United Ways of Tennessee and lead staff for the Tennessee Afterschool Network.

"Lights on Afterschool celebrates the remarkable work of Tennessee's afterschool programs," said Graham. "It is a powerful reminder that afterschool programs offer a range of supports for children and families. They truly advance the education, health and welfare of our children, they give working parents peace of mind, and they make our communities stronger."

"Our state doesn't have enough afterschool programs, and too many of our youth are home alone. We must open more programs and make sure lawmakers invest more in afterschool," said Richard Kennedy, executive director of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. "The Tennessee Afterschool Network is committed to ensuring that in the near future, every child in our state who needs an afterschool program has one."

In Murfreesboro, the Boys and Girls Club and the extended school programs at Hobgood, Siegel, John Pittardand Bradley Academy will be participating in the programs.

To find a Lights On event near you, link to http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm or follow all the happenings and join us on line for celebrations, lighted bridges, celebrities, policymakers, pictures, videos and more at http://bit.ly/LOATN2018.