There’s a Lights On Afterschool event in nearly every community in the country this week. On October 21, a million people will see children conduct science experiments, build robots, play soccer and chess, spruce up parks, perform music, and more as part of the 11th annual Lights On Afterschool. The only nationwide rally for afterschool programs is organized by the Afterschool Alliance. Across the country, some 7,500 events are scheduled that will feature the diverse, educational activities that children engage in at afterschool programs every day.

Abilene had their own Afterschool event on the 19th due to Parent/Teachers Conferences on the 21st. To celebrate this event they planted at tree at Kennedy Elementary. Over ninety students involved in the afterschool k-8 program took part in the celebration. A proclamation from the city council was read by commissioner Lynn  Peterson, followed by a balloon launch and refreshments.