Phongsavanh, RiverzEdge's Fesmire, Win Lights On Champion Awards

Woonsocket 
School 
Committee Chair
 Vimala 
Phongsavanh and RiverzEdge's Brad Fesmire took home Lights On Champion Awards Thursday at Rhodes on the Pawxuxet in Cranston.

The Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance (RIASPA), an education initiative of United Way, hosted more than 300 members and supporters at its 10th Annual Lights On Afterschool! breakfast at the Cranston function hall.

RIASPA recognized ten educators, advocates and legislators, honoring them with
Lights On Champion Awards that were presented for and dedicated leadership.
The recipients are: Jackie Ascrizzi, former 21st Century Community Learning Center Manager, R.I. Department of Education; Sherilyn Brown, R.I. State Council on the Arts Education Director; State Senator Frank A. Devall, Jr.; Paola Fernandez, director of Public Policy, United Way of Rhode Island; State Representative Frank G. Ferri; Brad Fesmire, program director, RiverzEdge Arts Project, Woonsocket; Christine Gingerella, former project manager for the Central Falls Student-Centered System Initiative; Elizabeth Ochs, coordinator of
Central Fall High School’s ELO program; Vimala Phongsavanh, program director for Youth and Adult Literacy at the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians, Providence, and vice-chair of the Woonsocket School Committee; and Kelly Whaley, program manager, Cranston Community Learning Center.

“This event annually reinforces the importance of afterschool and summer programs for Rhode Island children, youth, families and communities,” said Anthony Maione, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “United Way recognizes the effect of these programs that have a dramatic impact on academic performance and the long-term success of these students.”

‘The Lights On Afterschool! Breakfast of Champions is a yearly gathering of working professionals and community leaders in the out-of-school education field that personifies the fact that collaboration of individuals from schools, community organizations, and policymakers is a linchpin to the success of afterschool and summer learning for students,” said RIASPA Executive Director Adam Greenman.