Contact: Courtney Taylor, Bright House Networks

Courtney.taylor@mybrighthouse.com
317-617-1418

Bright House Networks, Afterschool Alliance to recognize Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation as
National Lights On Afterschool Photo Contest Winner

Carmel, IN Hundreds of children, parents and community leaders, including Mayor Brainard, will
gather January 28, 2015 at 3:45 p.m. at Forest Dale Elementary to celebrate Carmel Clay Parks &
Recreations Extended School Enrichment Program being named a winner in the National Lights on
Afterschool Photo Contest. The Facebook photo contest, sponsored by Bright House Networks, was an
effort to capture how afterschool programs provide a safe learning environment that engage and inspire
youth. With more than 9,000 votes cast, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreations Extended School Enrichment
Program at Forrest Dale Elementary was awarded the top prize of $2,000.
We are proud to bring home a win for Indiana, especially on Bright House Networks home turf, said
Jennifer Brown, Assistant Director for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreations Extended School Enrichment
program. But the real excitement comes with the impact of the National Lights On Afterschool Photo
Contest. This was a fantastic opportunity to recognize the impact of out of school time programs across
the nation and their importance to children, families and communities. By voting for these photos, a
number of people have been exposed to information about our programs that they might not have
known about otherwise.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation plans to use the prize money to purchase laptop computers for various
school sites. Weve found that quite a few of our children do not have a computer at home to complete
on homework or special projects, said Brown. With this purchase, we will be able to provide them
with a means to help succeed academically.
On behalf of Bright House Networks, I want to extend a hearty congratulations to Carmel Clay Parks &
Recreations Extended School Enrichment Program at Forrest Dale Elementary for being named a
National Lights on Afterschool winner, said Don Williams, VP/GM Bright House Networks Indianapolis
Division. Bright House Networks is dedicated to engaging youth in afterschool programs in our
communities, and we are pleased to continue to team with the Afterschool Alliance for its Lights On
Afterschool contest, which shines a spotlight on afterschool programs that work to keep kids safe,
inspire learning and help working families everywhere.
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool
programs and their important role in the lives of children, working families and communities. The
Afterschool Alliance, and other supporters such as Bright House Networks, utilize Lights On Afterschool
to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students through hands-on learning
and opportunities many do not get during the regular school day such as community service, robotics,
athletics and the arts. The events give youth a chance to showcase the skills they learn and talents they
develop at their afterschool programs, and to send the message that millions more kids need quality
afterschool programs.

I think the importance of our out of school programs cannot be overstated, said Valeska Simmonds,
Forest Dale Elementary School Site Supervisor. These programs give children an opportunity to grow,
learn and sometimes fail in a safe and nurturing environment. Our staff fills many roles for the children
in our program; they are facilitators, coaches, mentors, and cheerleaders to the children.
Forest Dale Elementary is one of 11 Extended School Enrichment Programs with Carmel Clay Parks &
Recreation that take place at Carmel Clay Schools. The program has a total of 2,248 children enrolled.
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About Bright House Networks

Bright House Networks is the sixth-largest owner and operator of cable systems in the United States and
the second-largest in Florida, with technologically advanced systems located in five states including
Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan and California. Bright House Networks serves approximately 2.5
million customers who subscribe to one or more of its video, high-speed data, home security and
control, and voice services. The company also offers a strong portfolio of customizable, advanced
business solutions for video, voice, data, cloud-based and managed services.
The company is MEF-certified and also recently received the Cisco Master Service Provider Certification
under the Cisco Cloud and Managed Service Program, the first cable operator in the United States to
achieve this designation. For more information about Bright House Networks or its products and
services, visit brighthouse.com.
About Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) holds the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and
Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in
partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for parks serving populations of
75,001 to 150,000. As an accredited agency, the department serves the recreation, fitness, and nature
needs of the community, manages and develops existing spaces and resources and creates a sustainable
future for parks and recreation programs through a financially viable and environmentally conscious
parks system. CCPR manages and maintains more than 500 park acres and numerous recreation
facilities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark. For more information, visit
carmelclayparks.com.