Meridian, Mississippi-based Peavey Electronics introduced the nation’s first “Afterschool Is Key” specialty car tag to support afterschool programs, then it awarded one talented teenager with a pro recording session at its annual Lights On Afterschool extravaganza, which was held on October 16 in Meridien. Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide rally designed to emphasize the importance of keeping the lights on and doors open for afterschool programs. Each year, Peavey invites hundreds of children from such programs to the prestigious MSU Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts for the celebration. Since 2005 that event has included the Peavey Afterschool (Not) Idle youth singing competition, which helps foster talent and creativity and rewards their hard work. During yesterday’s event, a panel of judges that included Carl Nappa, a producer whose credits include Nelly, *NSYNC, and Mariah Carey, awarded young singer Alex Goldman with a recording session that will help further his singing career.
Surprise celebrity sightings have become a highlight of the event. This year, Atlantic Records artist Cupid entertained the crowd with his hit song “Cupid Shuffle,” while Bo Bice, Southern rocker and star of the TV phenomenon American Idol, joined the celebration in previous years. At Peavey’s request, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour issued a proclamation to declare Oct. 16, 2008 “Lights On Afterschool Day” across the state. More than a million people rallied this year at some 7,500 Lights On Afterschool events around the country. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger served as National Chair of Lights On Afterschool again this year, a position he has held since 2001. More information is available at www.afterschoolms.org and www.afterschoolalliance.org.
