YouthNet Continues to Capture Teen Attention in 5th Year
Local non-profit after school programs are attracting hundreds of students
There’s a lot of life in the middle schools after 3 p.m. It was well after the final bell had rung at South Orange Middle School, but the inviting smell of popcorn was everywhere. But if you wanted to partake, the cafeteria was the wrong direction — the goods were to be had during the Animaniacs Club, one of YouthNet’s vibrant after school enrichment offerings. Diane Grant, a SOMS 6th grade science teacher and YouthNet instructor, delivers a movie and the traditional snacks to club members each Friday. “It really gives the kids time to unwind and socialize,” she said. “It let’s them see a movie and just have fun. It’s important to get together outside of the academic environment. It removes the formality of the regular day. Socialization …
