Base hosts 'Lights on After School'

  • Published
  • By James Baker
  • Skywrighter staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Prairies Youth Center here was part of a coast to coast celebration Oct. 18 in observance of 'Lights on After School.'

Nearly a million people rally at more than 7,500 schools, community centers, parks and other venues for the after-school programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.

Program technician Elliot Moser kicked off the activities by talking about the importance of after-school programs and introducing Jennifer Spurgeon, Flight Chief of the School Age Programs along with distinguished guests Lt. Col. Tom Kupper, Col. Jim Miner and Pam Strickler, wife of Col. Jay Strickler.

Betty Wingerter, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, said the importance of having activities for kids after the final bell rings is vital to help in their advancement.

"Being involved in programs helps with children's social skills, gives them a stronger work ethic and gives them more responsibility," said Wingerter. "Young people with nothing to do are more apt to commit more crimes and experiment with drugs and alcohol."

Prairies School-Age Coordinator Cynthia Howard said she thought the event was a huge success and the children who attended had a blast.

"After-school programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning," she said. "They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.

"I feel we should continue to share the importance of after-school care with our military families and community."

Dayton Bombers players Chanse Fitzpatrick and Greg Lavenski took time away from practice to show their support for the program by talking with the children about the importance of staying active.

The duo then hosted an activity where one of the players helped the kids properly use a hockey stick while the other played goalie as they fired tennis balls towards the net.

"Having the (Bombers) players there has been my favorite part of the day," said Brandon McGee, right before taking his shots. "They have been really nice to us and have taught us how to play hockey."

The center had a variety of activities for both parents and children alike to participate in. A crowd favorite for both was a game called cake walk--where if your number was called when the music stopped, you walked out with a cake, cookies or other pastry treat. More than 25 prizes were given out at that station alone.

Other goings-on during the two hours of festivities included several snack and drink tables, face painting done by caregivers Nichole Spyridon and Kristen Coletta; cornhole hosted by Patrick Schissler and a fishing game done by Neya Walker of the Kittyhawk School Age Program.

Other contributions were made by Youth Center employees Jan Friel, Lisa Andras, Zach Jones, Kuwanna Knox, Jacki Tipton and Kiyah Neesmith.

A visit by Sparky the Fire Dog was icing for many of the kids who jumped at the opportunity to hang out with the huggable pooch.

"All the different activities they had for the kids was awesome," said Hailey Glick. "I am thankful I have the Youth Center to come to everyday."