At the June Perry School Board meeting, Mary Hillman, Director of Perry’s Academic, Cultural, and Enrichment Services (PACES), was invited to talk about the program and how it’s gone this year.

PACES is a before and after school academic program that was started 17 years ago. Superintendent Lynn Ubben says Hillman focuses on the education of the participants, but also does a good job of making sure they have fun. Ubben believes PACES plays a pivotal role at Perry. “It’s definitely needed in this type of community. It helps our families, it helps our kids not only academically, but to have a place to be that’s a safe environment.”

During Hillman’s presentation, she said PACES currently has the maximum amount of students they’ll allow, and there is a waiting list of people wanting to join. She pointed out there are countless success stories from the program, including seven graduating seniors this year, a few with honors.

Ubben believes what makes PACES great is how unique a program it is, and the passion of those that run it. “I have to say, in the districts I’ve been in, and I’ve been in numerous districts, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. It’s probably one of the most successful before or after school programs I’ve seen, and a lot of that has to do with Mary and her enthusiasm, and her willingness to try new things.”

To hear more about this and other topics from the recent Perry School Board meeting, listen to Tuesday and Wednesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County programs at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.