All posts by Carmen Lawrence-Billé

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An Extremely Special Listen: Mayor Aftab Pureval Visits CPS Jazz Academy Students

Photo by Melissa Kyrlach

On Monday, March 3rd, 2025, we had the immense honor of welcoming Mayor Aftab Pureval to the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, who stopped by to show his support for the Cincinnati Jazz Academy and the upcoming International Jazz Festival. The students were eager to meet him and hear firsthand about his dedication to the arts and his vision for fostering creativity within Cincinnati.

During his visit, Mayor Pureval spoke about the importance of the arts.  “The strength of our community is based on the arts, and the future of our community is also based on the arts,” he shared. His words resonated deeply with the students, reinforcing their belief that artistic passions can have a lasting impact – not just on their own lives but on the entire community.

Inspiration, Insight, and a Passion for the Arts

The mayor’s visit sparked engaging and thoughtful conversations between him and the students, and encouraged them to feel open with their passions. Many took the opportunity to ask insightful questions about leadership, the role of the arts in public service, and how creativity plays a role in different career paths.

One particularly thought-provoking question came from a student who asked if Mayor Pureval knew of any politicians with a background in the arts. He was quickly able to answer and spoke about leaders who have once pursued artistic passions, including himself and his own personal passion for charcoal drawing. His team was also able to share their knowledge of Reggie Harris, a former professional ballet dancer who turned city council member. His response was a powerful reminder that the arts and leadership can be deeply connected and that students should never feel limited in their career aspirations simply because they are passionate about music or the arts. 

After this inspiring discussion, the Cincinnati Jazz Academy students had the opportunity to showcase their hard work by performing CityScape, a world-premiere piece conducted and composed by Dr. Rudnick in preparation for the International Jazz Festival. Their performance was filled with passion and energy, demonstrating just how much dedication they have put into their craft. Mayor Pureval listened intently, applauding their talent and expressing his appreciation for their artistry.

Before departing , he thanked ABC, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, and the Cincinnati Jazz Academy for their contribution to the city’s arts culture. His visit left a lasting impact on the students, igniting a renewed sense of excitement and purpose as they prepared for the upcoming stage performance.

A Celebration of Arts and Appreciation of Your Support

The Cincinnati Jazz Academy students are more than musicians- they are the future of Cincinnati’s artistic legacy. The International Jazz Festival showcases their dedication, talent, and passion while strengthening the cultural fabric of our city, one note at a time. This year’s festival was a huge success, and we want to thank everyone that supported these students and their passion. 

Mayor Pureval’s visit was a powerful reminder that the arts are not just a part of our city’s history – they are the key to its future. The Cincinnati Jazz Academy students prove that with enthusiasm, mentorship, and community support, the next generation of artists, leaders, and innovators can thrive. Thank you for being a part of this journey – your support makes all the difference.

News

Roller skating with ABC- and how you can help!

Our differences are what make our communities so vibrant and beautiful. We at Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) appreciate the different experiences and interests of all our students, which is why we continuously work with each school to ensure we offer ABC Club(s) and afterschool activities most beneficial to each student population.

Starting September 2024, ABC Clubs introduced roller skating as a new afterschool option for 71 students grades K-6 attending Kilgour, Rees E Price, and Rockdale schools. We’ve already experienced a waitlist for this activity in its first and second semester, reflecting both kids’ and parents’ excitement about the club.

Why roller skating?

Roller skating is more than a fun pastime. It offers full-body activity that promotes physical health, social engagement, and emotional well-being. For many of the students in our afterschool program, putting on a pair of skates isn’t just about movement, but rather about confidence, self-expression, and joy.

Roller skating is a great way for kids to stay active while having fun. It improves balance, coordination, and endurance, all while strengthening muscles in the legs and core. Unlike high-impact sports, skating is easy on the joints, making it a great option for children of all skill levels. Additionally, the consistent motion of skating increases heart rate, improving circulation and stamina over time. 

Socially, skating encourages students to connect with their peers, work as a team, develop friendships, foster a sense of community, and grow individual creativity and expression. Many of our students come to the club for the first time feeling uncertain, but as they improve, they gain confidence not just in skating, but in themselves. Skating is a great tool to teach students healthy coping skills to regulate emotions and stress by experiencing the freedom and joy of movement, mastering new skills, and developing resilience. Students leave the program feeling empowered and excited to keep pushing their limits.

A celebration of Black culture and history

Roller skating teaches students about an activity steeped in African American culture. With roller rinks’ transition from organ music to popular records in the late 1950s, skating gained popularity as it evolved into a fusion of music and movement, playing a significant role in black music and entertainment. Black skaters specifically created new styles of skating, including JB “James Brown” style, soul roll, and jam skating – all still widely popular and ever-evolving today.

Dylan Morton: from the world stage to ABC

We are honored to have internationally recognized roller skater, Dylan Morton, as ABC’s lead skate instructor. Dylan has been skating for 15 years, taught in over 13 countries, and has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including at the AMAs with P!nk and the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Usher.

As a native to Cincinnati, Dylan has a unique perspective on the history and impact of roller skating in our community. In a 2023 interview with Cincinnati Magazine, Dylan explained how the skating community here differs from other skating communities nationwide. “We have four or five different styles in our one city, and so we’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from a lot of different places … but if you ever come to a Cincinnati rink, you will see every single one of those styles at one given time. I think that’s the beauty of Cincinnati—it’s a melting pot of diversity.”

Dylan states it best: “[I]t’s really hard to be mad on roller skates; it gives people a release that you can’t really find anywhere else … it’s just so joyful to skate.”

Now, Dylan is leading the next generation of roller skaters through ABC’s afterschool programs. Roller skating is offered to students grades K-6 attending Kilgour, Rees E Price, and Rockdale schools as part of our ABC Clubs program. Through ABC’s commitment to serving the “whole” child, ABC Clubs also provide students with holistic support including tutoring, a snack, and dinner.

Students are learning the fundamentals of roller skating and more advanced skills, including:

  • how to fall safely 
  • skating forward
  • stopping
  • turning
  • skating backwards 
  • jumps (standing, moving and 180°)
  • forward skating to bank transitions
  • dance skating
  • rhythm 

At the end of each semester, ABC hosts a showcase where students perform their newly learned skills in front of their family and school staff. We’re very excited to see our students show off their new skills this spring!

How you can support our student skaters

We find that participating students are making skating a regular activity outside of school by visiting skating rinks and skating outdoors. But roller skating at home requires students to have the financial ability to purchase roller skates and other required equipment, which many low-income families lack.

Currently, our limited resources require skating instructors set up, pack up, and transport every pair of skates from school to school. Not only does this require an inordinate amount of physical effort and time from our skating instructors, but also limits students’ ability to enjoy skating on their own time. 

This high level of both student and parent engagement has catalyzed a new goal: to provide each student with their own pair of skates at the end of the semester so that they can continue skating at their leisure. We would also like to have an adequate inventory of skates at each school so that there are less moving parts for our instructors. If you feel inspired to support our skaters, you can donate to ABC today! 

News

A Historic Season: Celebrating the Taft Senators’ Final Four Achievement

Photo provided by WCPO

The Taft Senators football team made history this season, advancing to the Ohio State Final Four for the first time in school history. Although the journey ended there, the team’s incredible accomplishments have left an indelible mark on our school and community.

This season was a testament to the players’ grit, talent, and unwavering determination. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, the Senators demonstrated the true spirit of teamwork and perseverance. They inspired not only their fellow students but the entire Cincinnati community, proving that with hard work and heart, anything is possible.

“This past football season has been nothing short of historic,” shared Taft’s Athletic Director and ABC employee, Austin Gullett. “Achieving a place in the Final Four and clinching the first regional championship in our program’s history is truly an outstanding accomplishment. I am incredibly proud of our students, coaches, and administration for their unwavering commitment. They faced every challenge head-on and demonstrated what it truly means to lead like a senator. This is just the beginning; we are determined to come back even stronger!”

Gullett began his tenure as Athletic Director of the high school in March 2024, and has been supporting the school’s athletics activities from ABC’s offices since 2022. In 2022, he was also recognized as a Next Generation Afterschool Leader by the National Afterschool Association. “My dream is to inspire young children and athletes to become the leaders and individuals they aspire to be,” he’s shared. He also hosts a podcast, “Ignyte Your Why,” which shares the passions and motivations of hardworking individuals.

All of us here at Activities Beyond the Classroom echo Austin’s sentiments: we couldn’t be prouder of the players and coaches for their historic run and for representing Taft, Cincinnati, and our athletics departments with excellence on and off the field. While the season has come to an end, the legacy of this team’s achievements will live on, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Way to set the bar high!

Congratulations, Taft Senators, on an unforgettable season! ABC, CPS, and your community stands proud of all that you’ve accomplished.

Photo provided by Spectrum News
News

Strengthening Our Community: Activities Beyond the Classroom’s Partnerships with the University of Cincinnati

At Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), we pride ourselves on fostering relationships that benefit our youth and community. One of our most rewarding collaborations is with the University of Cincinnati (UC), whose students, alumni, and faculty have brought invaluable expertise and support to ABC. Today, we’re excited to share how three partnerships with UC in the Fall of 2024 have enhanced our programs and mission through three impactful initiatives: a public relations intensive, athletics fundraising, and grant writing.

Public Relations Intensive: Emerging Talent Demonstrate Their Expertise

UC PR Class Communications Marketing 2024

In collaboration with UC’s College of Arts and Sciences, and specifically the Public Relations department’s Dr. Suzanne Boys, ABC worked throughout the semester with a group of graduating seniors on an intensive overview, research, strategy, tactic development, and implementation approaches for our 2025 marketing strategy. The total campaign booklet they created included over 100 pages of pro bono work, performed by young professionals breaking into the field.

“We knew going into the project to expect good results,” shared Executive Director, Sally Grimes, “but I was really blown away by the quality of work they presented us with. Every single point they presented was thoroughly researched and could effectively be implemented, even given the low capacity of our advancement team. This was consultant-grade work; any employers looking for emerging PR talent need to have their eyes on this group of students.”

Not only did the workshop strengthen our ability to share ABC’s mission with the public, but it also gave UC students real-world experience in public relations consultations. “This project really opened our eyes to how much we could do, given the expertise and employee hours,” said Director of Advancement, Vanessa Macy. “We’re very hopeful that we can launch a paid internship program in the Spring to continue working with some of these students. They’ve given us a solid plan to reach entire new demographics of supporters and partners- we’d like their help to keep that momentum going.”

Athletics Fundraising: Masters at Work

UC Grants 2024

For the third consecutive semester, ABC partnered with Dr. David Kelley’s Sports Administration Master’s degree cohort as they learned about finding sustainable funding sources for athletic programming. ABC’s Senior Manager of Grants and Foundations, Carmen Lawrence-Billé, led five teams of students (in total, 25 students) as they navigated the process of grant writing for the first time. The teams all worked on grants to support ABC’s athletic programs, including elementary soccer, swimming, team meals, and more.

“Grant writing is a ‘game-changer’ in that it enhances students’ competitiveness in the job market,” shared Dr. Kelley. “Many schools and athletic organizations actively seek employees who can secure external funding. I strive to train my master’s students to make a positive impact and develop this skill set, which has a myriad of positive benefits that last a lifetime.”

“This group of students was amazing to work with,” Carmen shared. “Many had years of experience working directly with athletics programs and have a solid understanding of the financial struggles that these programs face, especially when working with low-income students. Helping them translate that knowledge into a grant proposal was an honor and delight. We definitely kept a few of their resumes, in case we have any openings on our athletic directors team.”

Employing UC Alumni: Bearcats Tackle Grants

The advancement team at ABC is very lean, with only 2.5 full time employees. “We’re always strapped for time; there’s too much work and not enough workers. We’re constantly weighing our priorities, making hard decisions about where to allocate our time. It can mean saying no to opportunities, even when we want to say yes.” To combat this, ABC secured funding to bring in a part-time grants contractor, Anna Farris, to support the Senior Manager of Grants and Foundations.

Aside from them both currently residing in Texas, Carmen and Anna also share Bearcat history. Anna graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, with a focus in Nonprofit Management; meanwhile, Carmen graduated in 2019 with a MBA and Masters in Nonprofit Arts Administration. “It’s so great to reconnect with my Bearcat roots,” Anna reflected upon starting work with ABC, “I live in Amarillo, Texas now, which feels so far from UC- but I get the opportunity to reconnect with the same nonprofit community that I got my start in, by working with Carmen and ABC. Cincinnati is such a special place, and I’m so glad that I get to work alongside a fellow Bearcat to keep making it a better, more diverse, more inclusive place.”

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Empowering Voices: Insights from Our Youth Board on Teen Mental Health

At Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), we believe that lasting change starts with listening to our communities. This principle guided us as we embarked on a partnership fueled by Interact for Health to launch a youth board that was representative of the entire city of Cincinnati, to understand from the source what teens believe are the greatest challenges in youth mental health, as well as possible solutions to address these issues. An outstanding group of 10th graders from across Greater Cincinnati met over the span of four months, and through team building activities, candid conversations, and thoughtful reflection, they shared invaluable insights about their generational experience.

The State of Teen Mental Health Today

Adolescents today face unprecedented challenges, with several modern stressors contributing to a sense of instability and fear. Gun violence, especially in schools, has become a constant concern.

The leading cause of death for US children and teens is guns, and school shootings remain an ever-present fear for students across the country, leading to heightened anxiety and absenteeism from fear of violence. (CDC) The pressure to stay connected through online platforms has also blurred boundaries between social lives and personal downtime. Many adolescents report feeling trapped by the expectation to always be available, contributing to feelings of burnout and emotional exhaustion. These stressors are compounded by the constant flood of curated, idealized content on social media, fostering comparisons that damage self-esteem. (CDC)

According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about 40% of US students reported experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness. (CDC) In addition, Mental Health America’s 2024 report reveals that youth mental health issues are particularly acute for marginalized groups. LGBTQ+ teens, for example, face higher risks of bullying and suicidal thoughts, with nearly 20% reporting suicide attempts. (CDC) In fact, the US Department of Health and Human Services found that 50% of adolescents experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. However, as our students emphasized, positive mental health promotion can mitigate these challenges before they spiral.

Cincinnati is no exception to these national trends. One in three Cincinnati students faces significant issues with anxiety, and a growing number of caregivers report being overwhelmed by the mental health needs of their children. Clare Zlatic Blankemeyer, the Executive Director of the Hopeful Empowered Youth (HEY!) Coalition, which focuses on improving youth mental health in Cincinnati, shared that, “it took us years to get here in the environmental conditions that are impacting the well-being of youth. So we know we need to have a long-haul plan.”

The Challenges Our Youth Identified

The challenges raised by our youth board echo these national trends. Through open dialogue with our youth, guided by professional facilitators, they highlighted several issues they believe are leading the adolescent mental health crisis in Cincinnati:

  • Bullying, both in our schools and after. Bullying doesn’t end when students go home- cyberbullying means bullies can relentlessly follow their victims.
  • Lack of student engagement, leading to a perpetual feeling of ennui, listlessness, and lethargy.
  • Suicide prevention. Many current efforts are reactionary, meaning that students actually need to hurt themselves (or worse) to get the support they need to heal.
  • Phone use. the pressure to always be accessible, always know the latest updates, always be connected, is smothering and overwhelming. As schoolwork is also now plugged into these technological resources, students can feel hopelessly tethered to this technology.
  • Fights, which threaten to escalate with the threat of weapons and firearms. Gang violence is also prevalent in certain communities.
  • Smoking and vaping, the latter of which is a newer threat with less education readily available to youth about the dangers of vaping.

Solutions Proposed by the Youth Board

Our youth board went a step further, and envisioned meaningful solutions they believe would improve their and their peers’ mental well-being: 

  • Reducing screen time and social media exposure, to mitigate the harmful effects of constant connectivity and cyberbullying.
  • Promoting physical activity, particularly in ways that support disconnecting from screens.
  • Vaping and smoking cessation, to reduce substance use and the likelihood of experimentation with even more dangerous substances.
  • Engaging parents and caregivers, and builder stronger support networks outside of school.
  • Encouraging self-reflection and mindfulness activities, to increase empathy and compassion as well as develop successful coping mechanisms.
  • Granting students more freedom and autonomy, within structured and safe environments. 

We are eager to act on the ideas shared by these thoughtful young leaders. Their insights are already shaping we design future programs at ABC and guiding our advocacy efforts. We’re also proud to share these recommendations with our partners across Cincinnati, and hope that our peers in nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies will take these recommendations into consideration as they plan to address this mental health crisis too.

These discussions were both inspiring and eye-opening. They reinforced the importance of including youth voices in conversations about systems that affect their daily lives. We’re honored to have gotten this feedback from our youth; now, it’s our collective responsibility to listen and act, ensuring that the systems supporting them are as dynamic, thoughtful, and caring as they are.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the students, families, and community members who made this project possible. We are especially grateful to Youth at the Center, The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Adventure Crew, the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, and the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, our partners in bringing this project to fruition. Many thanks again to Interact for Health, who funded this collaboration.

For a 1-pager detailing our findings, click here!
News

Austin Gullett Named New Athletic Director at Taft

ABC is thrilled to announce that Austin Gullett, a valued member of our team, has been appointed as the next Athletic Director of Taft High School. 

Austin initially joined ABC in October 2021 as the KISR Enrichment Manager, overseeing the Kids In School Rule! program and connecting Cincinnati-based children in foster care with enrichment opportunities. In the 2022-23 school year, Austin transitioned to the role of Athletics Coordinator, where he played a crucial role in organizing and coordinating ABC’s elementary athletic programs, especially the soccer program and End of Season Celebrations at TQL Stadium. Additionally, Austin provided essential support to ABC’s Athletic Directors at Cincinnati Public Schools.

Before joining ABC, Austin spent three years working in the Community Relations department at FC Cincinnati. He earned his Master’s in Education in Sports Administration from Xavier University (#goMuskies).

Austin’s dedication and impact led to his selection as one of the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders by the National Afterschool Association in 2022. This prestigious recognition highlights emerging leaders who contribute to the afterschool community and demonstrate a passion for growth and development.

Outside of ABC, Austin is incredibly active in the Greater Cincinnati community. He is the Assistant Board President for High Achievers Aim High, a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to nurturing children through one-on-one guidance. HAAH has the goal to educate and motivate minority children, so that they can receive equal opportunities. 

He hosts the Ignite Your Why podcast, providing guests with a platform to amplify voices of authentic people by having genuine conversations about their motivations and current events. He also spent two seasons as the Head Soccer Coach of his alma mater, Holmes High School.

“ABC is extremely excited to welcome Austin as the new Athletic Director at Taft High School”, said Ricky Miller, ABC’s Senior Manager of Athletics. “Austin’s recent experience as the interim AD at Taft, combined with assisting the athletic department at Woodward High School, and supporting the athletic department at ABC made him a perfect fit for the Senators. We’re confident Austin will lead the Taft students and faculty, and the West-End community to a bright future.”

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A Grand Slam Day: ABC Hosts End of Year Tennis Extravaganza for Young Athletes

On Friday, May 10, 2024, the spirit of sportsmanship and fun was in full swing as 5th and 6th grade students from Pleasant Hill, Parker Woods, and Cheviot Elementary gathered for ABC’s Tennis End of Year Celebration. This special event, held at the indoor tennis facility at Walnut Hills High School, provided an exciting day of tennis-related activities, completely free of charge for the students and their families.

The day began with eager anticipation as students arrived, accompanied by their dedicated coaches. To kick off the event, the students participated in a group stretching session, emphasizing the importance of good habits before engaging in athletic activities.

Following the warm-up, the students embarked on a rotation through various game stations, each designed to highlight the skills they had developed throughout their time in the tennis program. From target practice to the engaging “hungry crocodile” game, every station offered a unique and fun challenge, keeping the young athletes enthusiastically engaged.

After the morning activities wrapped up, the students enjoyed a well-deserved lunch, featuring delicious pizza and fresh salad from LaRosa’s. The free meal provided a perfect opportunity for the kids to recharge and socialize with their friends.

The excitement didn’t end there. As each student prepared to leave, they were presented with an array of ABC goodies. These ABC take-home gifts included a fidget spinner, a lanyard keychain, and a handy sling bag to carry everything. But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the brand new tennis racket each student received, ensuring they could continue practicing and enjoying tennis long after the event.

ABC’s Tennis End of Year Celebration was more than just a fun day; it was a memorable experience that celebrated the hard work and dedication of these young athletes, fostering a love for the sport that will last a lifetime.

News

ABC Athletic Director Receives National Certification

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is pleased to announce that Donald Newberry, Director of Athletics at Shroder High School has been recognized by this association as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Donald Newberry has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience, NIAAA Leadership Courses and professional contributions. It is culminated with a practical written or oral presentation project.

Donald Newberry is one of a very elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

About the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)

The NIAAA is an accredited organization and is the professional organization for interscholastic athletic administrators. Based in Indianapolis, IN, the NIAAA’s mission is to provide professional development options for directors of athletics, and to enhance the athletic administration profession. With a current individual membership of over 12,000, the NIAAA consists of member state athletic administrator associations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, as well as internationally. The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through education opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. For more information, visit the NIAAA website at www.niaaa.org. 

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Celebrating Unity and Athletic Excellence: 513 Day Unites Cincinnati’s Sports Community

In an exciting collaboration, ABC is teaming up with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, FC Cincinnati, Cincy Shirts, and Cincinnati Public Schools to honor local athletes this upcoming 513 Day. This initiative aims to highlight the unity and spirit of Cincinnati by bringing together professional sports teams and high school athletes under the banner of #TeamCincy. Through the tagline ‘No matter where you started, we are all #TeamCincy’, the event underscores the inclusive ethos that binds the community together.

Leading up to May 13th, ABC will shine a spotlight on exceptional Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding prowess in their respective sports throughout the year. These athletes have been recognized as CPS Scholar Athletes of the month, showcasing their dedication and achievements on and off the field.

Moreover, our initiative will also feature profiles of local professional athletes, offering insights into their journeys and the values they share with the community. By sharing these stories, the aim is to inspire pride, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the sense of unity within Cincinnati.

As part of the celebration, Cincy Shirts is offering a limited edition t-shirt designed to commemorate 513 Day! Featuring elements from the Bengals, Reds, and FC Cincinnati, the shirt symbolizes the collaborative spirit of #TeamCincy. Proceeds from the sale of these shirts will directly support ABC’s mission to support CPS student athletes, further reinforcing the community’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

Join us in celebrating 513 Day and supporting our student athletes by purchasing a limited edition t-shirt! Together, let’s champion the spirit of unity and pride that defines our beloved Cincinnati. Click below to get your hands on this exclusive merchandise and show your support for #TeamCincy!

Click Here to Get Your 513 T-Shirt
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ABC’s Swimming for Safety Program Making Waves at Taft Elementary

ABC is ecstatic to announce that our impactful Swimming for Safety program is underway at Taft Elementary. This initiative is set to equip over 65 students in grades K-2 with essential swimming skills over a six-week period, meeting twice a week for 45-minute lessons. These sessions are seamlessly integrated into the school day, aligning with the students’ regularly scheduled physical education classes.

Launched in 2017-18, ABC’s Swimming for Safety program seeks to teach young Cincinnati Public Schools students the basics of swimming and water safety, at no cost to the students or their families. 

ABC collaborates with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission to provide trained, certified swim instructors to teach the children the basic swim strokes and provide them with valuable water safety information. Additionally, thanks to the partnership with the CRC, Taft students have access to the indoor pool facilities at the Mount Auburn Community Center, conveniently located on the school campus.

Throughout the program, students not only learn essential swimming strokes like the doggy-paddle but also acquire vital skills such as identifying pool edges and self-rescue techniques during water emergencies. To facilitate their learning journey, ABC equips each student with a swimsuit, towel, and pool shoes.

The significance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, particularly considering that drowning ranks as the second leading cause of death among children aged 5-14 in the United States, with minority and low-income communities disproportionately affected.

For many of the children enrolled, Swimming for Safety represents their inaugural experience with swimming. Initially apprehensive, these students gradually gain confidence and comfort in the water, often expressing eagerness to explore further swimming opportunities.

The ongoing session of Swimming for Safety, launched in April and extending through May 2024, promises to empower over 65 students from Taft Elementary with invaluable swimming and water safety skills.

Ricky Miller, ABC’s Senior Manager of Athletics, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for the continued partnership with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and Taft Elementary. “This year’s program features kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classes,” Miller stated. “Our goal is to provide basic pool-safety education and to get students in the water so they can develop a skill they’ll hold on to for life.”

ABC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Cincinnati Recreation Commission for their unwavering support and provision of exceptional facilities at the Mount Auburn Recreation Center. Additionally, the organization acknowledges the invaluable contribution of the Andrew Jergens Foundation (of the GCF), whose financial support has been instrumental in making this program accessible to the children of Taft Elementary.