Perry’s Academic Cultural and Enrichment Services (PACES) invites the community for a two night celebration event later this week.

Program Director Mary Hillman says this is the 23rd Annual National Lights On Afterschool event with the National Afterschool Alliance. Wednesday will be the fundraiser walk with Pledges for Paces, which Hillman says is always an enjoyable, family-friendly activity.

“Our students walk laps, we have music going, we’ll have refreshments out there for our students. Parents are welcomed to walk, community members are welcomed to walk with us, we try to make it very fun. And then you can make a pledge, either per lap for a student or a flat fee (is) what a lot of people do. And that money goes back to our program to help us keep those costs down for our families attending.”

Hillman points out that the following day on Thursday from 5-6pm is a celebration event at the Perry Elementary School multipurpose room. She says the program includes remarks from Perry Schools Superintendent Clark Wicks, along with a student talent show and contest winners will be announced. The event wraps up with a family supper, which includes beef burgers and scotcheroos. 

Hillman invites everyone to join PACES for their Lights On Afterschool two-evening event.