Spring Ridge Middle School Turns the “Lights On”
My
classmate, Whitney Nyman, and I attended the "Lights On” After School
Showcase hosted by Spring Ridge Middle School on October 24, 2013; this was an
evening to celebrate the work of after school program participants from both
Spring Ridge and Lexington Park Elementary. Upon our arrival, we were blown
away by the amount of community support that flooded into the library where
this celebration was hosted; this was a standing room only event. Parents,
family members, friends and teachers all gathered to shed some light on the
amazing work that these students are doing after school.
Franklin
Delano Roosevelt once declared that “we cannot always build the future for our
youth, but we can build our youth for
the future.” His words resonate with the often unseen work that is done in
after school programs. The 21st Century Community Learning Program is not just
a safe space for students to hang out after school; it is a safe space where
students can collaborate to discover their natural gifts and learn to celebrate
the diversity that fosters a cohesive community for our area. The efforts of
the 21st Century Community Learning After School Program do not get
enough recognition and praise in our community; these support systems provided
by the staff and volunteers, many of whom are teachers, are what “build our
youth for the future.”
I want to take
this opportunity to thank Mr. Jamel Hebb, the after school coordinator at
Spring Ridge. His efforts in providing a safe space for learning and
self-expression in our community are commendable. We need more people with the passion
and drive that he exudes. Under the direction of Mr. Mark Smith, the program,
which operates in Lexington Park, GW Carver and Spring Ridge, is spreading a
vitality through a group of students who are also often forgotten. My recent
time spent in the after school program at Spring Ridge has reminded me of the
power of collaboration and creativity in crafting a spirit of resilience and
success among our youth.
I would encourage you, where ever you may find yourself reading this from, to take time to explore the after school programs in your local area. It seems that the work that happens after the hours of rigorous academia are often forgotten by local communities. Take the time to see what the youth who participate in these said activities are accomplishing. 21st Century is national grant that spans in communities all across our country; find your local chapter and give them the support that they deserve.
