In his 90s, George Ashman can still recall details of life in Palmerton during World War II.

He can remember the size of his 1943 graduating class at Palmerton: 120 students. He can remember how some 18-year-olds left early to enlist, and one of his classmates returned after losing an arm at Pearl Harbor.The longtime resident, a veteran himself, still attends school board meetings.He credits a lifelong love for learning, with some help from heredity of course, for keeping his mind sharp.“I can’t say I’ve had any formal education for years, but I like to learn,” he said.That’s why it’s no surprise he remains dedicated to ensuring that today’s youngsters in Palmerton have access to the same education.He was recently recognized by SHINE for his support of the nonprofit afterschool program, and education as a whole. Ashman got to observe the Palmerton SHINE site and enjoy dinner with the students and their families.“He served on the board 13 years ago that laid the path to bring SHINE all over Carbon County,” SHINE director Rachel Strucko said.Ashman was an original member of the Carbon County Partners for Progress. Founded in the late-90s, the group sought to organize the county’s health, education and social services so they could serve the most people in the most need.The partnership was key to the eventual formation of SHINE, Strucko said. The initial idea led to the first SHINE centers opening in Jim Thorpe, Panther Valley and Lehighton.“There was an idea that something of that sort was needed. I think education is so important, and it’s more important now than when I was in school,” Ashman said.Even in his 90s, Ashman has remained committed to education. He is a regular attendee at Palmerton School Board meetings, and he is not afraid to share his point of view with the board.“Mr. Ashman has been, not only for this program, but he’s been a huge advocate for many programs throughout Carbon County,” said Palmerton Superintendent Scot Engler.Ashman has followed the program as it flourished around the area.He’s even watched as the 21st Century Learning Center grant program — crucial to SHINE — has been threatened by the federal government. Ashman says that he agrees that Washington can afford to cut some things, but funding for programs like SHINE is not one.“I’m sure there are programs that are just money down the drain, but that doesn’t apply to this one or several others around the country,” he said.This year, for the first time, the program finally expanded to Palmerton — the 10th SHINE center. They are now located in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties.Ashman said that when he started out, he couldn’t imagine how much the program would thrive.“I’m pleasantly surprised to see how well it has spread,” he said.