“Grades have come up. There’s more reading at home. This student has a better attitude. My son is more social and more focused on school work. I see more smiles.”

These are just a few observations made of students by parents, tutors and staff of our East Main After School Learning Center. Over the course of the 2012-2013 school year, students have improved their academic performance, built lasting friendships and learned useful study habits.

To celebrate their progress and hard work, The Salvation Army in Central Ohio is hosting a Red Carpet Student Showcase on Saturday, June 1st, with an evening of food, raffles, video presentations, dancing, music and a photo booth. Students will “walk” the Red Carpet as they enter the building between 5:45-6:00pm.

East Main Program Manager Tonika Mason organized the event and spear-headed the production of a video of students, their parents and staff that will be shown Saturday evening. The video highlights students’ progress, how they benefited from the program and includes observations from staff and family on how the students have improved over time. Ms. Mason says she hopes by viewing the video, students will see themselves in a light that will build their confidence and reinforce to them that they have support in their academic and socials realms.

“I want the students to know that they are each celebrated and appreciated,” says Mason. “As much as the students learn from staff, we learn daily from them as well!”

Saturday’s event will take place at 966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43205. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to tonika.mason@use.salvationarmy.org

If you would like more information on The Salvation Army’s four After School Learning Centers or find information on volunteering at one of our locations, click here.