Gadsden Rallies for Afterschool with Lights On Celebration
GADSDEN, Ala. — Students, families, and community leaders gathered at the Gadsden Public Library on Tuesday, October 21, to celebrate the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool event, highlighting the importance of afterschool programs in supporting student success and well-being.
The celebration, hosted by Gadsden City Schools, drew hundreds of attendees from across the area. Many children arrived dressed as their favorite characters, ghosts, and goblins, enjoying the festive fall atmosphere complete with upbeat music from a DJ, community booths, and creative activities. Students made flower arrangements, built jewelry, posed for photos in a photo booth, and listened to stories. A retro video arcade proved to be a hit with both kids and adults, while a colorful Trunk or Treat added to the evening’s Halloween excitement.
Outside the library, first responders from the Gadsden Fire Department, Gadsden Police Department, and Etowah County Sheriff’s Office welcomed families to explore their emergency vehicles. The popular K-9 officers also made an appearance, delighting children eager to meet them.
Speakers at the event praised the role of afterschool programs in keeping students safe, engaged, and inspired. Gadsden City Assistant Superintendent Sharon Maness emphasized the broader impact of such programs, saying, “Lights On Afterschool celebrates all that makes afterschool so valuable to children, parents, schools, and communities. Afterschool programs are keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn, and giving working families peace of mind.”
Janie Browning, Director of Community Education and 21st Century Afterschool Programs for Gadsden City Schools, echoed that message. “We’re thrilled to have a chance to showcase the remarkable work our afterschool students are doing, and to have parents and the rest of the community get a firsthand look,” Browning said. “We need to give all children and youth access to these kinds of programs.” Browning also serves as Alabama’s Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance, which organizes the nationwide Lights On Afterschool initiative.
Gadsden City Schools’ afterschool programs currently serve more than 1,200 students daily across 12 sites, offering activities ranging from STEM projects and music video production to homework help and clubs like chess and robotics. The programs provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment beyond the regular school day, giving students opportunities to build creativity, confidence, and teamwork skills.
Tuesday’s celebration was one of approximately 8,000 events held nationwide as part of the Lights On Afterschool movement, which shines a spotlight on the vital role afterschool programs play in education and child development — and on the ongoing need for funding to sustain them.
National research continues to underscore the benefits of afterschool participation, showing improvements in grades, attendance, behavior, and engagement among students enrolled in these programs. However, access remains limited. A 2025 survey revealed that while 29.6 million parents nationwide want afterschool programs for their children, fewer than 7 million students are currently enrolled. Another 22.6 million would participate if programs were available — a gap that leaves three out of four children without access.
As families departed Tuesday’s event with crafts, candy, and memories in hand, organizers hoped the message would resonate beyond the festivities: afterschool programs not only enrich lives but strengthen entire communities.
More information about Gadsden City Schools’ afterschool programs can be found at www.gcs.k12.al.us
