BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
A PROCLAMATION
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL WEEK
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: THEREFORE:
Quality afterschool programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills. These opportunities also support working families and build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people; and
The State of Georgia has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults; and
Lights On Afterschoo/, the national celebration of afterschool programs, promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and their communities. Our state is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy; and
Many children have parents who work outside of the home, and it is imperative that these young citizens have access to a safe environment during the hours after school and before their parents or guardians return home from work. All across Georgia and the United States, communities will honor the annual Lights On Afterschoo/ celebration; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim October 19- 23, 201 5, as LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL WEEK in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 1st day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST
CHIEF OF STAFF