Six students on Jan. 9 visited the Colorado State Capitol to deliver more than 1,000 writing samples from students in Aurora after-school programs that expressed their appreciation for having a safe place to go after school.

The students from COMPASS, an after-school program jointly coordinated by the City of Aurora and Aurora Public Schools, dropped off the writing samples to State Rep. Michael Garcia. The samples were completed in October to celebrate Lights On After School Day, which celebrated the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open in Aurora for after-school programs.

Garcia, an Aurora resident, accepted the writing samples on behalf of the State of Colorado to show his support for sustaining and potentially expanding opportunities for after-school programs for those who need them the most.

In return, Garcia presented the students with a declaration from the State of Colorado House of Representatives Sixty-sixth General Assembly to "applaud the positive contributions the Aurora COMPASS After School Program makes in the lives of countless young citizens."

The six visiting students currently attend South Middle School, where Garcia also was once enrolled.

"When I was your age, attending South Middle School, being busy after school kept me out of trouble," Garcia told the students.

Garcia also expressed to the students that he was thrilled they took the time to pay him a visit. "I am your neighbor," he said. "I live in Aurora and love to have visitors from my community, especially students who attended the school I went to: Lansing Elementary, South Middle School and Central High School."

The visit concluded with a tour of the House of Representatives floor where Garcia shared with the students what State business was conducted. For more information, call Becky Hoffman at 303-326-8709.