Mooresville Annual Lights On After School 2017

MOORESVILLE, NC — The annual Lights On After School event is coming to town, with the focus of highlighting the positive effect after school programs have on kids.

The Mooresville Parks and Recreation department is throwing the 18th annual event at Liberty Park on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After school programs allow kids to learn about opportunities in science, community service, poetry, art and so much more, helping students discover new skills.

According to the American Institutes of Research, "children and youth who participate in after school programs can reap a host of positive benefits in a number of interrelated outcome areas—academic, social/emotional, prevention, and health and wellness."

Lights On After School is the only nationwide event dedicated to showcasing the importance of after school programs and has become a "hallmark" of the after school program movement, the Mooresville Parks and Recreation department posted on Facebook.

Children are to be accompanied by an adult or parent at the event, which will be showcased at the Selma Burke Community center, the War Memorial Center and the Winnie Hooper Center.

"The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality after school programs," the Facebook event page said.

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