Student volunteer teaches basketball

Vernon — NJ After 3 KEEP kids in Vernon are dribbling, passing and shooting under the tutelage of Vernon High School senior and PRIDE volunteer, Tyler McClure. Tyler has given his time to run basketball training sessions for children attending the afterschool program at Cedar Mountain. Along with basketball, children are participating in a variety of special activities — from guitar instruction to cartooning to art to homework assistance — all for a fee of $75 per month for a family. KEEP (Kids Educational Enrichment Program) is serving over 125 children attending Walnut Ridge, Cedar Mountain and Rolling Hills Primary Schools in Vernon with this afterschool program through a grant from NJ After 3. According to Linda Nasarow, site coordinator, “The partnership between NJ After 3 KEEP and Vernon Township School District is unique in Sussex County. Children and families are benefitting from these services socially, educationally and emotionally.” One way to support this vital program is through the purchase of a ticket or a table at KEEP’s annual Kamikaze Cookoff, scheduled for Feb. 11. For more information, call 973-383-2213 or visit www.keepkids.org.