Elizabeth Figueroa and Sophia Prieto are creatively brightening the Harris County community! These two superstars from Houston ISD’s Crespo Elementary School let their imaginations shine, bringing bold colors and big ideas to life to clinch the victory in Afterschool Alliance’s Lights On Afterschool poster contest. 

The students entered the poster contest through Houston Healthy Hip-Hop: RAD ART, a Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids) afterschool program where students learn to create masterpieces using modern-day art skills and techniques.  

The duo’s artwork features students engaged in various out-of-school activities, from science experiments and break dancing to space exploration and painting, symbolizing the range of passions offered during programming. The lightbulb in the middle of the poster signifies keeping the Lights On Afterschool.  

“It’s really nice to win because I’ve never done anything that would go national,” giggled Figueroa. “All I do is make simple drawings at home, but this experience is really exciting. I’m very surprised and happy to be a part of it.” 

Added Prieto: “I’m grateful to CASE for Kids because it’s very educational, and you can never get bored. They have so many activities, and I’m proud to be a part of it and excited for more kids to join.” 

Figueroa and Prieto’s artwork will be featured on the Afterschool Alliance website, blog and press releases as part of the 2024 Lights On Afterschool national conference and the event’s promotional material package. The Crespo Elementary afterschool program will also receive a $500 grand prize for its stellar artwork.  

“My favorite part of this has been seeing our girls recognize that they have greatness inside of them and that there are people out there who believe in them,” said Quetzaly Harper, the afterschool program site coordinator at Crespo Elementary School. “My goal is to continue finding vendors who will focus on what my kids need so they can keep striving for success.” 

Through the CASE for Kids afterschool intermediary program, students like Figueroa and Prieto are provided resources, training and funding for afterschool programs in schools, childcare facilities and community centers. As a branch of Harris County Department of Education, the division provides a safe environment for pre-K through 12 grade students during out-of-school hours and improves academic achievement.  

To learn more about CASE for Kids, visit www.hcde-texas.org/afterschoolzone.