[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA FOR ITS 
               PARTICIPATION IN LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of 
the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista, Arizona, which will play a 
very active role in the Lights On Afterschool Day on October 22.
  Lights On Afterschool Day is a national celebration of after-school 
programs that promotes quality afternoon activities for children and 
their families. Arizona ranks in the top 10 states for afterschool 
programs and I commend the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista for its 
strong participation in this important initiative.
  The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista is to inspire 
and enable all young people to realize their full potential as 
productive, responsible and caring citizens. The club operates 
exceptional youth development programs which provide young people with 
the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to pursue their dreams 
and succeed in life.
  The Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista also offers a full menu of 
after-school activities. These activities provide safe, challenging and 
fun learning experiences to help young people develop their social, 
emotional, physical, cultural and academic skills.
  There are more than 28 million children in the United States with 
parents who work outside the home. Some 14.3 million of those children 
have no place to go after school.
  The Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista leads the way by encouraging 
community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth. 
That leadership is grounded in the principle that quality after-school 
programs are a key to helping our children become successful adults.
  Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant has said ``The 
2009 Lights On Afterschool events represent not only diverse people and 
issues, but also diverse interests--whether those interests run to the 
sciences, the arts, community service, sports or the environment.'' The 
Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista is an outstanding example of how 
children can be engaged in these meaningful activities.
  On behalf of a grateful community, I thank the Boys and Girls Club of 
Sierra Vista for all that it does to engage and educate our children in 
a safe and caring setting.

                          ____________________