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Laura Lundsten hopes her time spent at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County is a springboard to future political success.

"Being here after school is very important," said the 12-year-old Harllee Middle School student. "I want to be President of the Student Government Association and this is an effective way to meet people."

Lundsten served as the emcee for the school's Lights On Afterschool rally. The rally featured appearances from local, state and national dignitaries.

Kirstin Minor issued a proclamation on behalf of Congressman Vern Buchanan.

"Congressman Buchanan likes to say that 25 percent of our population is children," said Minor. "But they are 100 percent of our future."

Manatee County Sheriff W. Brad Steube noted the importance of after-school programs. A Boys & Girls Clubs alumni himself, the Sheriff said children need to be involved after school.

"I saw hundreds of children walking home on my way over here and I do not know what those children will be doing for the next hour or two," Steube said. "I do know what you will be doing here (in after-school program). You will be learning."

Also speaking at the event were: Jane von Hahmann from the Board of County Commissioners, Lynette Edwards, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, School Board of Manatee County and Major Connie Shingledecker from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County serves over 2,500 children at five locations in Bradenton and Palmetto, Fla. For more information, please contact (941) 761-2582 (CLUB).

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