In celebration of Afterschool Excellence in Dallas this past May, Dallas AfterSchool Network (DASN) hosted an Afterschool Achievers ceremony at the Lakewood Theater.  It was a grand celebration of the outstanding students and committed volunteers who comprise the local after-school community.  This special evening highlighted the achievements of after-school students as well as the volunteers and community partners that make after-school programs possible.  40 students enrolled in 20 different after-school programs received certificates of recognition!  Two of the Wilkinson Center’s after-school kids received an award and $25 gift card from JC Penney.

Last year, we introduced you to Deve, a second year CLIMB After-School student at our Inspired Vision Academy site in Southeast Dallas.  Prior to enrolling in CLIMB, Deve was shy and afraid to attempt new challenges.  Deve was failing the Reading portion of the TAKS, testing at a 65% pass rate.  After one year of participating in CLIMB, his TAKS scores CLIMBed to 93%.  Ate the end of his second year of CLIMB this past May, Deve’s hard work did not go unnoticed by his teachers and CLIMB staff.  Never imagining he would be on stage in front of hundreds of people, Deve proudly accepted his “Afterschool Achiever” award from DASN.

Congratulations Deve, and thank you Dallas AfterSchool Network for this exciting event!  Learn more about DASN at www.dasn.org.