ECS’ Out of School Time (OST) recently celebrated the 24th annual Lights On Afterschool at seven school-based sites in the Greater Philadelphia region. Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide rally to raise awareness about the importance of afterschool programming. Educators, government officials, students and other community stakeholders came together to demonstrate their ongoing support for ECS OST programs.
Students of the Feltonville Intermediate OST program came together in the school’s auditorium for an afternoon of cabaret singing from OST partner Walnut Street Theater, remarks, reading and recognition. OST leadership also acknowledged several key leaders in the effort to expand and enrich afterschool programs in the city. Pennsylvania State Representative Danilo Burgos and Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation President Amanda-Leigh Player Hall both received the Episcopal Community Services Out-of-School Time Community Leadership Award. This award recognizes the work and dedication of ECS OST supporters who have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of providing youth with high quality programming at the end of the school day.
Rep. Burgos is driven by his children and strives to improve and develop a superior, safer, and more prosperous city of Philadelphia. His goal is to offer his constituents a source of inspiration and provide them with the necessary resources for success. Amanda-Leigh Hall Player teaches tennis in ECS’ OST summer camp and has enlisted her connections to introduce OST youth to golf. The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation has provided important funding for ECS’ OST program and for emergency housing needs of OST families.