All posts by Carmen Lawrence-Billé

News

Remembering Dave Dierker: A Legacy of Support for Cincinnati Student Athletes

Dave Dierker (middle) stands alongside Brian Leshner, former Executive Director at ABC, and Charley Frank, Executive Director of the Reds Community Fund & Vice-President of ABC's Board.

It is with heavy hearts that ABC shares the news of the passing of Dave Dierker, the former Director of Athletics of Cincinnati Public Schools. Dave’s impact on the community, particularly in bolstering extracurricular opportunities for students, is immeasurable.

In 2004, Dave recognized the need for a district-wide booster club to enrich the extracurricular experiences of Cincinnati Public Schools students, particularly in athletics. Thus, the Student Activity Foundation was born, evolving into Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC). This partnership with CPS aims to enhance athletic programs by managing purchasing budgets for grades 7-12 across thirteen high schools. ABC’s provision of full-time Athletic Directors ensures that each school’s athletic fund is efficiently allocated towards equipment, uniforms, transportation, and more.

However, Dave’s vision extended beyond current student athletes. He saw the importance of honoring the achievements of past CPS student athletes and thus championed the establishment of the CPS Athletic Hall of Fame. This institution, now entering its 15th year, continues to celebrate and immortalize the accomplishments of CPS alumni.

In this 2015 photo, Dave Dierker (far right) and former ABC Executive Director Brian Leshner (center) are present to receive a $5,000 check from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. This funding was allocated to equip the baseball and softball fields at Withrow High School.

“It was a privilege working with Dave,” said Brian Leshner, former Executive Director of ABC. “He was humble and modest, with a dry, gentle sense of humor. Dave brought a quiet passion to his mission of helping student athletes from the Cincinnati Public School district. He will be missed. He worked alongside Dave for 12 years, advocating for student athletes at CPS.”

“Throughout our teams, we mourn the passing of Dave Dierker,” remarked Ricky Miller, Senior Manager of Athletics. “He was absolutely pivotal in our nonprofit’s founding. While his passing weighs heavy on our hearts, his memory will serve as a guiding force as we expand our mission in Cincinnati. His legacy will not only endure, but will continue to proliferate as we grow to serve over 20,000 students annually in Cincinnati through diverse programs spanning athletics, arts, wellness, and beyond.”

In honoring Dave Dierker, we celebrate a compassionate individual whose vision and compassion have empowered generations of Cincinnati student athletes. His kindness, care, and unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others will forever be remembered and cherished.

News

MSA Design Pledges Support to ABC

MSA Design has enthusiastically stepped forward as an Advocate Sponsor for Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), affirming their commitment to our cause. This generous pledge marks a significant milestone in our partnership, one that will have a profound effect on our ability to empower and enrich the lives of over 20,000 students attending 61 schools throughout Cincinnati. With MSA Design’s support, ABC can continue to offer a diverse array of enrichment programs, ensuring that each child has access to opportunities that foster growth, creativity, and success beyond the traditional classroom setting. 

MSA Design is an architectural organization based in Cincinnati, OH that specializes in architectural design, interior design, and experiential graphic design. While known for their expertise in the architectural industry, MSA is truly a charitable organization, looking to advocate and provide equity to the youth of Cincinnati in need of high-quality extracurricular activities.

MSA Design is the creative, architectural visionary behind such beauties as Xavier University’s Master Plan, including Health United Building and Alter Hall; the University of Cincinnati’s renovated Calhoun Hall and the Turner Design Center; and the Live Oaks Career Campus. “Look at any of MSA Design’s architectural plans and it’s plain to see: this firm values innovation, community, and elegant utility,” shared ABC Executive Director Sally Grimes. “I think this is where we especially align; both MSA Design and ABC invest in solutions that are different, edgy, and support our communities in beautiful, unexpected ways. We are proud to partner with such a tremendous organization that is responsible for creating such beauty and utility in our community.”

ABC is deeply honored and filled with gratitude for the blossoming partnership with MSA Design. This new chapter in our collaboration holds promise for countless fruitful years ahead, dedicated to serving the children of Cincinnati with unwavering dedication and care. Together, we envision a future where every child has access to enriching activities that not only keep them safe after school but also nurture their talents and ambitions, laying a sturdy foundation for their future success. We are excited to embark on this journey alongside MSA Design, knowing that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the youth we serve. 

News

UC Students Making Real Impact, Write Now

With a student impact of ~20,000 students, over 200 programs and partnerships, and a geographical impact radius that spans across the Greater Cincinnati area, ABC does the mighty work of a big organization. And yet, ABC does not have the resources of many of its peers that have similar impact footprints. With a staff of only 48 employees, most of which are spread across our service locations; only 11% of expenses going towards management and administrative functions, like marketing, accounting, and human resources; and only 1% of total expenses feeding fundraising efforts, ABC is considered an incredibly lean organization. While there is so much opportunity to serve even more students in Cincinnati, ABC has to keep growing internally to keep up.

This is where strategic partnerships with allies across the city are incredibly important, such as the grant writing partnership with the University of Cincinnati’s Sport Administration graduate program. Thanks to the leadership and innovative thinking of the program’s leader, Dr. David Kelley, both these graduate students and ABC (and similar nonprofits) benefit from seasonal fundraising support.

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the practical experience provided to the graduate students in grant writing. Understanding the crucial role of funding in sustaining and expanding programs is an integral part of the students’ education, and this partnership affords them the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of grant writing under the mentorship of experienced professionals. “First, my students are afforded the opportunity to learn how to articulate grant proposal goals, justify funding needs, create a budget and present their ideas effectively all in the context of addressing societal issues such as food insecurity or perhaps basic sport uniform or sporting equipment needs,” Dr. Kelley articulated. “Second, by collaborating with Activities Beyond the Classroom, my students apply the knowledge they’re learning in class to real-world scenarios.  Thirdly, the skills acquired during grant writing, such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, are transferrable to various contexts.  Last and certainly not least, in my opinion, grant writing is a “game-changer” in that it enhances students’ competitiveness in the job market. Many schools and athletic organizations actively seek employees who can secure external funding.”

Beyond the academic and professional benefits, this collaboration fosters a sense of empathy and solidarity among the graduate students. As they witness firsthand the impact of their efforts on the lives of students served by ABC, they are inspired to continue advocating for educational equity and inclusion. “I was very excited to hear that I was assigned to collaborate with Activities Beyond the Classroom,” Jarred Jermacans, graduate student and team leader, shared. “I am new to the Cincinnati area and have read and heard a lot about the work of Activities Beyond the Classroom, which is admirable to me.” Jermacans is one of several students that have also leveraged this opportunity to demonstrate their skills to ABC leadership through this project and submit their resume to be held on file in case of future job openings. 

From ABC’s perspective, the partnership brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to its fundraising efforts. The enthusiasm and dedication of the graduate students inject new energy into its initiatives, helping to reach new milestones and expand its reach. “Since ABC does so much work in the community, the grant opportunities can feel endless,” Carmen Lawrence-Bille, Senior Manager of Grants and Foundations, shared. “This partnership alleviates some of the workload relevant to our athletics programs, which is a huge relief as this is one of our biggest fundraising efforts throughout the year!”

Moreover, the partnership strengthens ABC’s ties with the academic community, paving the way for future collaborations and knowledge sharing, as well as opening a pipeline of talent. “ABC has an excellent employee retention rate, but we’re also growing really fast. We’ll hit an event horizon soon that will accelerate our program reach and we’ll invariably be hiring to accommodate that growth,” shared Director of Operations Sophia Scott. “This partnership with the University of Cincinnati gives us access to excellent talent in athletics management. So whether these students are considering careers as athletic directors or fall in love with grant writing, we want to know them.”

Together, Activities Beyond the Classroom and University of Cincinnati’s Sport Administration  program are not just addressing the immediate needs of students but also laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future. Through their collaborative efforts, they are empowering students to realize their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. As they continue to work hand in hand, they are not just writing grants; they are writing a story of hope, opportunity, and transformative change.

Thank you to the University of Cincinnati, the Sport Administration department, and Dr. David Kelley for making this collaboration possible!

News

A Night to Remember: Jazz Fest 2024

All photos taken by Melissa Kyrlach

On the 9th of March, a remarkable event unfolded at the Aronoff Center for the Arts as more than 125 students from Cincinnati Public Schools took center stage at the International Jazz Festival. Representing over 20 schools within the CPS district, these talented young musicians were joined by acclaimed Japanese Violinist, Tomoko Omura, and numerous professional musicians from the Cincinnati region. The festival, a full-day celebration of jazz, offered enriching experiences to students and their families at absolutely no cost.

The festivities kicked off with a vibrant array of workshops and jam sessions, led by seasoned jazz artists. In these intimate settings, students had the invaluable opportunity to hone their musical skills under expert guidance. Exploring the nuances of jazz improvisation, rhythm, and harmony, they discovered new depths to their craft.

As evening descended, the students graced the main stage of the Aronoff Center, delivering a spellbinding performance alongside seasoned professionals. Sally Grimes (Executive Director at ABC), Eve Bolton (CPS Board President), and Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney (Vice-Mayor of Cincinnati) extended warm welcomes to the sizable audience, acknowledging the students’ achievements and underscoring the significance of the event for both the students and the city.

Before an enraptured audience of over 800 attendees, the young musicians mesmerized with their extraordinary talent, leaving spectators awestruck by their devotion to jazz. The evening unfolded as a harmonious fusion of solo showcases and collaborative ensembles, resonating with the universal language of music.

In instances where students faced obstacles in obtaining formal attire for the concert, ABC stepped in, providing suit jackets, shoes, ties, and other necessary wardrobe items, ensuring every student could shine on stage.

Global Artistic Contribution

In addition to highlighting musical prowess, the festival also illuminated the realm of visual art. Partnering with the International Sister Cities Association, ABC orchestrated a poignant visual art display in the lobby of the Aronoff Center. Showcasing extraordinary artworks crafted by students from Cincinnati Public Schools alongside their counterparts from Germany, China, Japan, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe, the exhibit served as a testament to friendship and artistic collaboration. Through this innovative exchange, the installation resonated with the spirit of unity and creativity.

A Remarkable Event for Everyone

The 2024 Cincinnati Public Schools International Jazz Festival stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of CPS Fine Arts Director Dr. Isidore Rudnick and a celebration of jazz music’s limitless capacity to forge bonds among communities worldwide. Dr. Rudnick’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the talents of students, combined with his extensive network within the jazz realm, has elevated this program into a remarkable showcase.

Through workshops, performances, and collaborative endeavors, the young musicians from Cincinnati embodied the transformative essence of jazz, transcending borders to cultivate connections and friendships. As the reverberations of their soulful performances lingered, they etched a lasting impression on the hearts of all who experienced this remarkable testament to harmony and unity.

The Jazz Festival, a free community event, was made achievable through the generous backing of The National Endowment for the Arts and their Challenge America grant, as well as support from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), a state agency committed to funding and enhancing quality arts experiences to enrich Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically through public investments. In addition, ABC extends heartfelt gratitude to Flip & Shelia Cohen for their unwavering support of this event, since its inception.

News

ABC Celebrates 20th Anniversary

This March, Activities Beyond the Classroom is thrilled to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Established in 2004 as the Student Activities Foundation, our humble beginnings centered on supporting high school athletic programs at Cincinnati Public Schools. 

Over the years, our reach has expanded significantly. Today, we proudly serve 15,000 students annually, offering 200 diverse enrichment activities. Notably, our commitment to arts-based enrichment activities has flourished. Join us as we reflect on ABC’s journey thus far and set our sights on a bright future, dedicated to empowering students in Cincinnati and beyond.

Impact Through the Years

2004: 

The year was 2004, and for a variety of reasons, the landscape for extracurricular activities was bleak. In most suburban schools, the answer was simple: families formed booster clubs and raised money to offset the costs. However, for many urban families, money was limited and booster clubs weren’t an option. 

For this reason, a few committed individuals came together with the belief that no child should be without these life-shaping extracurricular experiences. Thanks to their efforts, and an extremely generous one-time anonymous donation, a districtwide booster club known as Student Activities Foundation (now Activities Beyond the Classroom) was born.

In ABC’s inaugural year, it supported athletic programming for 1,000 students at Cincinnati Public Schools.

2005: 

ABC entered into an agreement with Cincinnati Public Schools to manage Stargel Stadium. Willard Stargel Stadium, named in honor of a distinguished Woodward alum, esteemed employee of Taft High School, and beloved figure in Cincinnati, remains a vibrant hub for high school athletics, accommodating teams from over seven CPS high schools.

2007:

Secured funding, including $200,000 from the Cincinnati Bengals and NFL Foundation, to help develop a new athletic field at Withrow High School. This versatile playing surface caters to a wide range of sports, and its impeccable condition has led to its selection as a venue for hosting OHSAA playoff games.

2011:

ABC and Cincinnati Public Schools enter into a contract to manage the high school and junior high Athletic Directors and their budgets. This means that Athletic Directors are officially added to the team at ABC.

2012:

ABC began creating and managing programs catered to students of even more age groups, extending beyond athletics for grades 7-12. This included launching arts enrichment, martial arts, youth tennis, 21 Century Learning Centers, and Community Connectors mentoring programs.

2013:

Changed the name of the organization from Student Activities Foundation to Activities Beyond the Classroom. This new name was conceived to more accurately reflect our expanded programming.

2014:

ABC secured an Impact 100 grant to turn an abandoned building into a thriving athletic facility for students at Hughes High School. This facility, known as The Mack, encompasses a complete basketball court, field turf, and a batting cage, providing student athletes with the opportunity to train for multiple sports throughout the year.

2015:

ABC launched our youth soccer program. While initially aimed at engaging young girls, this program now enrolls all genders. In the latest season, the program has expanded its availability to include over 500 students from more than 27 CPS schools.

2017:

Launched ABC Clubs at three elementary schools in Cincinnati. ABC Clubs are no-cost, high-quality afterschool programs that provide children equitable access to arts, cultural, athletic, and life skills programming.

ABC Clubs provide lower-income students with a safe place to go when the final bell rings. In addition, ABC Clubs provide students with nourishment through a healthy meal and snack as well.

2018:

ABC broadened its role as the Community Learning Center Lead Agency, facilitating enrichment activities for students at nine schools. This number has now increased to 13, with ABC collaborating closely with the Resource Coordinator at each school to deliver enriching activities for students.

ABC’s Resource Coordinators play a pivotal role in securing unique and life-changing opportunities for their students. They forge strong partnerships with individuals and organizations within their school communities, offering exceptional programs and experiences to the students they serve.

Notable achievements include Alpha Delta Boule’s formal adoption of Winton Hills Academy, facilitated by Resource Coordinator Shelby Zimmer’s dedication; a Color Fun Run at Ficke Park, organized largely by Resource Coordinator Cheri Jordan to raise funds for Silverton Elementary; and the consecutive recognition of ABC Resource Coordinators as “Resource Coordinator of the Year” by Adopt A Class, underscoring their exceptional work ethic and impact.

2019:

ABC teamed up with Dr. Isidore Rudnick and Cincinnati Public Schools to host the first ever CPS International Jazz Festival. On October 5, 2019, over 250 students who live in the Cincinnati area gathered at the Aronoff Center to participate in a free, full-day event packed with jazz-related activities.

During this all day event, the student-musicians performed for professional jazz musicians, and were able to get constructive feedback from the professionals to help them master their craft. In addition, the students were able to sit in more intimate master-classes, where the accomplished jazz musicians gave lessons, and shared their experiences in the world of jazz.  The evening featured performances on the main stage of the Aronoff from an ensemble of professional musicians from around the world, as well as larger student groups. 

2020:

Pivoted to coordinate deliveries of basic groceries and supplies to families struggling through COVID-19. Highlights from these efforts include partnering with the Cincinnati Bengals to provide educational kits to 350 student athletes and securing a $49,800 grant to provide shelf-stable food to families where ABC is the lead agency.

2021:

Launched Virtual ABC Clubs to pivot to remote learning. This gave students the opportunity to attend a variety of free and fun afterschool activities, such as the STEM Bicycle Club, Anime, Graffiti Art, American Sign Language, & more.

Partnered with Cincinnati Public Schools to launch the Summer Scholars Program. Summer Scholars was launched to provide additional educational and enrichment opportunities to students throughout the month of June at no cost to the students or their families.  While students spent their mornings focusing on academics and social/emotional learning, their afternoons were filled with enrichment activities, provided through partnerships with ABC and other nonprofits.

Secured funding, including $250,000 from the Cincinnati Bengals & NFL, to develop a new athletic field at South Avondale Elementary.

Brian Leshner steps down from Executive Director position. He is succeeded by Sally Grimes.

2022:

ABC took eleven student musicians to Barcelona for the Jazzing Festival de Sant Andreu. These students experienced a unique journey to Spain, immersing themselves in the regional culture while also honing their musical skills.

ABC End of Year Soccer Celebration hosted for the first time at TQL & Stargel Stadiums. This event allows for 340+ students from 27 CPS elementary schools in ABC’s elementary soccer program to engage in a full day of fun, soccer-related activities, at no cost.

2023:

Third International Jazz Festival expands to include visual arts gallery featuring international student artists. Thanks to the partnership of the Cincinnati Sister Cities, the International Jazz Festival featured pieces from student artists representing China, Japan, Ukraine, & Zimbabwe.

Looking Forward to Another 20 Years

Over its 20-year history, ABC has positively impacted approximately 200,000 students through its no-cost programs and services, saving families over a million dollars amid financial challenges. Initially serving 1,000 high school student athletes at its inception, ABC now annually supports over 15,000 students in grades K-12 across diverse enrichment activities spanning arts, athletics, wellness, foreign languages, and STEM education. These initiatives aim to keep children engaged and foster their future success throughout Cincinnati.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to extend our reach into arts-based programming for Cincinnati students. Our forthcoming initiative aims to deepen connections with regional and local arts organizations, enriching the array of opportunities accessible to students across the city.

We look forward to serving students in Cincinnati for another 20 years, and aim to expand to serve an even greater number of students with our cost free programming in the years to come.

News

CPS International Jazz Festival Returns to Aronoff Center for the Arts

Cincinnati Public Schools’ (CPS) 4th Annual International Jazz Festival, hosted by Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), returns to the Aronoff Center. The festival will feature 145 student musicians from the Cincinnati Public Schools Jazz Academy, directed by CPS Fine Arts Curriculum Manager Dr. Isidore Rudnick. Special guest artist and international jazz violinist and composer Tomoko Omura will conduct master classes with students from 24 CPS schools and perform alongside students at the evening concert. An international student art gallery will be available for viewing prior to the performance, featuring CPS student artwork alongside student art from Ukraine and Taiwan in partnership with Cincinnati Sister Cities.

The Jazz Festival, a free community event, is made possible by the support of The National Endowment for the Arts, Challenge America grant and an investment of public funds by Ohio Arts Council (OAC), a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

Additional Details

When: 

March 9, 2024
7:00 PM

Where:

Aronoff Center for the Arts, P&G Hall
650 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

FREE to attend! No tickets required!

Learn more about the CPS International Jazz Festival here: https://abccincy.org/cps-jazz-festival

News

CPS Jazz Academy Performs With Acclaimed Vocalist

On Friday, January 26th, the Kennedy Heights Arts Center witnessed a captivating performance as acclaimed jazz vocalist Melissa Stylianou joined forces with the CPS Jazz Academy’s High School Orchestra. The audience was enthralled by the students’ remarkable skills on their instruments, particularly shining during their solos.

Hailing from Toronto but now based in New York City, Melissa Stylianou is renowned not only as a talented songwriter but also as a creative interpreter of a varied range of material. She is also a member of the commended vocal trio Duchess, inspired by the close-harmony style of the Boswell Sisters.

ABC proudly collaborates with Dr. Isidore Rudnick, the Fine Arts Curriculum Manager at Cincinnati Public Schools, to support and bolster the efforts of the CPS Jazz Academy year-round. Through this partnership, CPS student musicians are afforded the opportunity to participate in the band free of charge, enriching their musical education.

Furthermore, the steadfast support of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center is instrumental in ensuring the success and opportunities of the CPS Jazz Academy. Hosting rehearsals and practices, as well as stellar performances like the one with Melissa Stylianou, the KHAC plays a vital role in nurturing young talent.

This collaborative effort among ABC, CPS, and the Kennedy Heights Arts Center creates unique opportunities such as this concert, offering students experiences they will cherish for a lifetime.

Catch the CPS Jazz Academy at the International Jazz Festival on March 9th

Don’t miss the chance to see the CPS Jazz Academy in action once again on March 9th at the CPS International Jazz Festival, hosted at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Joining forces with the Jazz Academy will be the celebrated Japanese jazz violinist, Tomoko Omura, alongside several other talented musicians from the Greater Cincinnati area. 

During this event, the students will enjoy a day filled with jazz-related activities, culminating in a mesmerizing concert on the Aronoff’s main stage.

The highlight of the event, the main concert, kicks off at 7:00 PM and is completely free and open to the public—no tickets required. Don’t pass up the opportunity to support the accomplishments of the CPS Jazz Academy and witness an unforgettable performance that promises to leave a lasting impression. Mark your calendars for March 9th—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

ABC is incredibly grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts and Ohio Arts Council for their tremendous support of the 2024 CPS International Jazz Festival.

For more information about the Jazz Festival, click here: https://abccincy.org/cps-jazz-festival/

News

National Endowment for the Arts Awards Grant to ABC

Activities Beyond the Classroom is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Challenge America award of $10,000. This grant will support the 2024 Cincinnati Public Schools International Jazz Festival, enabling over 120 CPS students to engage in a full day of jazz-related activities which culminates with a performance on the main stage at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

In total, the NEA will award 257 Challenge America awards totaling $2,570,000 that were announced as part of its first round of fiscal year 2024 grants. “The NEA is delighted to announce this grant to Activities Beyond the Classroom, which is helping contribute to the strength and well-being of the arts sector and local community,” said National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “We are pleased to be able to support this community and help create an environment where all people have the opportunity to live artful lives.”

“ABC is thrilled to be chosen as a recipient by the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts,” said ABC’s Executive Director, Sally Grimes. “It is a tremendous honor for the CPS International Jazz Festival to receive this remarkable recognition and ABC extends our most heartfelt thanks to the NEA for their invaluable support. We eagerly anticipate delivering an outstanding event for Cincinnati students on March 9th!”

More about the 2024 CPS International Jazz Festival

The 4th edition of the CPS International Jazz Festival is set to take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event offers student musicians a comprehensive day filled with jazz-related activities. During the afternoon, participants engage in intimate master classes led by seasoned jazz musicians, providing valuable insights to enhance their mastery of instruments. In the evening, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the main stage of the Aronoff Center for the Arts, performing alongside these accomplished professionals. This year’s performance will feature a special appearance from acclaimed Japanese violinist, Tomoko Omura.

Students can take part in this event at absolutely no cost, and the evening performance is also open to everyone for free, ensuring accessibility for all.

News

ABC Welcomes Jamie Horn to Board of Directors

Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) is pleased to welcome the newest addition to its Board of Directors, expanding the breadth of expertise to the leadership of the organization. The new board member, Jamie Horn, is the Director of Marketing and Shareholder of Johnson Investment Counsel. For a span of 12 years, Jamie has played a pivotal role in fostering the remarkable $12 billion expansion of her organization through outstanding marketing acumen and leadership.

Outside of her work at JIC, Jamie has committed herself to serving charitable causes throughout the Greater Cincinnati community. She currently serves or has recently served on the Board of Directors at The Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), The Carnegie, the American Cancer Society, Crayons to Computers, and Women Helping Women. 

“We are quite pleased to have Jamie Horn join the board, bringing with her many community accomplishments, skillsets and energies to assist tomorrow’s leadership,” shared Dick Friedman, President of ABC’s Board. “She will be a significant and important addition to the board and we are excited to have her special voice at the board table.”

ABC is delighted to welcome Jamie to our board, and is confident in her ability to contribute to our continued growth.

News

ABC Hosts 340+ Students at Soccer Celebration

On November 9, ABC hosted the 2nd annual End of Year Soccer Celebration for many of the students in its elementary soccer program. 348 students from 27 CPS elementary schools were able to engage in a full day of fun, soccer-related activities.

Upon reaching Stargel Stadium, students engaged in morning sessions dedicated to skills and drills activities on the field. The participants rotated through seven stations, each emphasizing distinct core soccer skills. These fun activities included dribble circles, relay races, passing & trapping, & even soccer golf. One standout station offered Stretching & Health Education, facilitated by professionals from Mercy Health.

In the afternoon, students enjoyed a free lunch, and took in the breathtaking sights of World Famous TQL Stadium. Following lunch, students participated in team-based artwork, creating a decorative sign to represent their school. 

As they departed for the day, each student was presented with a certificate, representing completion of the fall soccer program. In addition, every student received a soccer ball, t-shirt, ABC fidget spinner, and an ABC backpack to carry it all home.

Thank You to Supporters of the Soccer Invitational

The day would not have been possible without the partnership of ABC, FC Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Public Schools.

In addition, ABC sends our most sincere thanks to FC Cincinnati Foundation, TQL Stadium, Levy Catering, & Mercy Health for lending their incredible support to this event. We can’t thank you enough for making this day possible for the students of Cincinnati!