Panther Valley School District participated in “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide celebration recognizing the importance of afterschool initiatives, by highlighting its SHINE program, on Thursday.

A program presenting the benefits and characteristics of SHINE was held for parents and community members in the Panther Valley Elementary School.

The Lights On celebration shines a spotlight on the valuable opportunities’ afterschool programs provide for children to learn, grow, build friendships, explore new interests, and develop skills that support their success both in and outside the classroom, said Lindsey Miller, SHINE facilitator.

Miller, one of three speakers, said SHINE is celebrating 21 years of afterschool programming. The program is under the auspices of the Lehigh Carbon Community College, with nine area school districts participating.

A highlight of the evening was a video presentation by Panther Valley SHINE students, in which they portrayed a news program highlighting the various components of SHINE.

Prior to the video, about 40 SHINE members from Panther Valley gathered on stage and sang a song about the program.

Miller said, “Lights on Afterschool is an opportunity to celebrate our students, recognize the dedication of our afterschool staff, and highlight the importance of providing children with safe, supportive and enriching environments beyond the school day. Every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and afterschool programs make that possible.”

Others who spoke were David McAndrew Jr., superintendent of schools in the Panther Valley, and State Rep. Doyle Heffley.

McAndrew said SHINE “gives our students a place to go after school” where they receive help with homework, spend time with friends, enjoy new experiences and “gain new confidence.”

He told the SHINE staff, “Your time, energy and commitment here make a difference for our students.”

“Tonight we celebrate 21 years,” McAndrew said. “But we also look forward to what’s ahead of us.”

Heffley labeled SHINE “an awesome program.”

He said the late state Sen. Jim Rhoades was instrumental in getting the program started.

Heffley said his daughter was a participant in SHINE in another district when she was a student. The daughter has now graduated from college and is a full-time employee at Disney World in Florida.

About 60 parents and other relatives of Panther Valley SHINE students attended the program.