Congratulations to the following Lyons Enrichment After School Program (LEAP) students on receiving their white belt 1 stripe - Zack S, Kristin C, and Sebastian C.

Each class the students received 1 hour and 15 minutes of intense martial arts training and conditioning. The students successfully completed at at least 7 martial arts class. They each received a Fusion Genesis Karate certificate.

Congratulations to the Summer Lyons Enrichment After School Program (LEAP) students on successfully completing their 6 week martial arts workshop. They each received a Fusion Genesis Karate certificate.

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Congratulations!! We made it to the end of another school year. I’m sure that it’s been another year of mountain-top and valley experiences. I’ve learned to appreciate being in the valley because that’s where I obtain my lessons. I hope that as you reflect on the past year, you readily think of the times you understood why you are here. I am a proud parent this month as I celebrate the graduation of my son DJ. He has worked hard and persevered even in the face of odds and circumstances that were beyond his control. I am grateful even for the lessons I learn from him. As we watch our young people move up and beyond our grasp, take this time to plant a seed that will one day help them grow and prosper. Have a wonderful summer and we’ll catch up in September.

~Alia Henton-Williams

Director, 21st Century

Our programs at Clyde-Savannah, Lyons and North Rose-Wolcott have completed the school-year cycle and are now preparing for summer programming. 21st Century will serve well over 350 students for six weeks beginning the first week in July. Because we know that students who do not participate in some type of academics over the summer have a strong possibility of losing so much during this time, these programs fill a much-needed gap. Our programs will offer educational and recreational activities including field trips.The after-school program (which will be referred to as Extended Day as of September) at Lyons completed the awesome benches in the garden located outside the middle of our building. Walk by and take a look at their great work. Congratulations to Brianna Williams for her 1st Place victory in the Full Contact Karate Tournament.

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The nation’s economic downturn is affecting more than prices at the gas pump and the grocery store. More and more city, county and state governments are struggling with budget shortfalls and making tough decisions about which essential services to continue and which to cut. In some communities, the budget crunch is endangering funding for afterschool programs - and forcing supporters to organize and reach out to new partners in order to keep program doors open.

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The LEAP Afterschool Program at Lyons held its first LEAP Family Fun Night on Friday, April 25th. Alicia Linzy, program coordinator, reported: “We had 50 people in attendance which included the students and family members. Our delicious, mostly student made, menu included spaghetti and meatball dinner complete with salad, garlic bread and brownie sundaes for dessert. Our fun activities included a friendly family tug-of war contest, scooter races and four squares. There was plenty of food and a lot of fun. It was wonderful seeing the students with their parents and younger siblings AKA future LEAP participants. I look forward to holding another one in the future.” Nice job Alicia! On May 2, Alicia and eight students will see a Garth Fagan Production in Rochester. And on May 14, LEAP students will go bowling. (more…)

Brianna Williams has been attending the L.E.A.P. (Lyons Enrichment After school Program) after school Martial Arts classes for over 2 years. She is very focus, and has work diligently for her Junior Orange belt.

Mr.Phu (founder and coach of Fusion Mixed Martial Arts located in Newark, NY) invited Brianna to attend his regular martial arts school about 3 weeks ago to train for the 6th Annual Sensei Jim Grafe Memorial Karate Tournament held in Hilton. She has train very hard for this tournament and the result is in the pudding. She soundly beat her opponent and won 1st place in the female age 11-13 beginner/intermediate (also known as semi-full in the Kyokushin Karate style - because of the chest and head gear) full contact karate division.

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