Weekly Media Roundup - January 9, 2013

The Osprey Observer reports that Brandon resident Susan Miller won the $2000 Grand Prize in the Bright House Networks Lights On Afterschool photo contest. According to the judges, Miller’s “Halloween-in-the-Halls-Mosaic” photo best depicted how programs and people are focusing on afterschool.  

“Massena’s police chief says he believes bringing a Boys and Girls Club to Massena could help reduce crime, increase graduation rates and address a need for youth activities in the community,” the Watertown Daily Times reports. The community has formed a steering committee to figure out how to start a club in Massena and address the needs of younger residents.

 

Windsor High School junior Zeltzin Campillo started afterschool program TISS (Teaching and Inspiring Students for Success) to help other immigrant students ease into their adopted culture. Campillo moved to the United States five years ago and when she arrived she knew no one beyond her immediate family and spoke little English. TISS supports students who are still learning English and the weekly afterschool program gives “English learners opportunities for the kind of casual conversation that promotes true fluency, as well as support with homework that may be harder to do when you're not completely comfortable with the language,” the Press Democrat reports.

 

After three years in the making, the Boys & Girls Club of Durant officially opened its doors last month, kicking off with a Christmas break program for local children. The club’s youth-driven afterschool programs began last week. Club Director and Afterschool Ambassador Barb Dunnam said a grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held in the near future.