Get Your Shine On

Dr. Paul G. Young
President and CEO
NAA

Spring is the time of year when things begin to shine again after a long dull winter. It is also the time of year when NAA shines brightest while presenting our National Convention. I want to extend a personal invitation to each reader to join us in sunny Orlando for the start of a “bright new day” for your professional work and your relationship with our professional association.

Our trade show and exhibition promises to be the best we have ever had. Our valued vendors will shine a light on the best resources, materials, curriculum, technology, practices, and much more. Our initiatives to shine a light on STEM-related afterschool learning activities, curriculum, resources, and experts will be displayed brighter than anywhere in the field.

Get your shine on during our GO FAR 5k race/walk or, if you prefer, or newly scheduled Zumba classes. We all have to work to take care of our health. When we feel good, we look better. When we look good, we perform better. Take a bold step!  Pack your running or walking shoes and begin working on your iridescence!

Support the students who will be in attendance and participating on our NAA Science Fair. They are very excited to be involved in this learning activity, and the highlight of the event for them will be their numerous opportunities to shine while describing their projects during positive interactions with our convention attendees. We hope you will be inspired to develop science fairs, health classes, race events, and many other special activities with your afterschool program so that you, your staff, students, and families will shine all year in your community.

Of course, we have 200 special workshops being prepared by members of NAA that will be sure to inspire and motivate you to try new things immediately. The workshops are grouped in five important content themes and anchored by three outstanding featured speakers – Bill Nye “The Science Guy”, Richard Louv, and Adolph “Doc” Brown.

Best of all, bring your smile. The connections we make as professionals and the support we provide each other are sources of pride and strength for all of us. Let's radiate, have a great celebration, and recharge to begin a “bright new day” in afterschool when you return home.

Our convention is always exciting and a bargain professional development opportunity. Don't miss it!

I look forward to seeing you shine in Orlando!