All posts by Carmen Lawrence-Billé

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ABC Clubs & ABC Fine Arts Clubs Finish Successful School Year

Finishing a Successful School Year with Student Showcases

Many students in the Cincinnati area have nowhere to go at the end of the school day. The majority of afterschool programs that are available to students are fee-based. For families experiencing financial hardships, this limits the availability and access for families that cannot afford the expense of quality afterschool care for their children. At ABC, we believe that all families should have the same opportunities for high-quality enrichment programming.

ABC Clubs and ABC Fine Arts Clubs were created with this in mind. These programs are offered free to the students and their families. ABC partners with local organizations and programs to produce high-quality, fun, and educational activity options for CPS students.

For the 2023 school year, ABC Clubs were provided to 150 CPS students at 3 elementary schools. In only the 4th year of the program, ABC Fine Arts Clubs expanded their reach, and were provided to over 300 CPS students across 14 elementary schools. 

As the school year came to a close, each ABC Club and Fine Arts Club program held a showcase to demonstrate all of the new skills and knowledge the students had gained throughout the course. Family and community members arrived at each school to celebrate and participate in these showcases, encouraging the students to continue exploring their newfound talents. 

More About ABC Clubs & ABC Fine Arts Clubs

Created in the 2017-18 school year, ABC Clubs provide elementary aged children with the opportunity to engage in free afterschool activities as well as a safe place to go for students when the final bell rings. ABC Clubs offer access to enrichment activities as well as child care that parents may not otherwise be able to afford. Students are able to engage in a wide variety of topics, such as dance, martial arts, team sports, sewing, painting, sign language, STEM, coding, drone flying, and more.

In the 2019-2020 school year, ABC Fine Arts Clubs were created in an effort to provide more extracurricular arts programming to elementary students throughout Cincinnati. ABC Fine Arts Clubs function in the same manner as ABC Clubs, but they focus on creating more opportunities in painting, music, drama, poetry, and other activities that expand the creative, artistic minds of the students.

ABC Clubs and Fine Arts Clubs also provide students with nourishment in the form of a healthy snack and meal, helping alleviate the burden from families. To maintain the integrity of ABC Clubs & ABC Fine Arts Clubs, we do not utilize volunteers, but instead hire professionals from the community, who are experts in their fields.

With an increase in attendance and interest in ABC Clubs and ABC Fine Arts Clubs, we anticipate these programs will expand for the 2023-24 school year. We look forward to providing even more children with the opportunity to participate in ABC Clubs & ABC Arts Clubs. If you’d like to be a part of increasing club impact, reach out today to learn more about supporting ABC!

News

ABC Hosts Spring Invitational for Elementary Soccer Program

As the school year comes to a close, we at ABC think it is important to take time to celebrate the  goals and accomplishments of our young students. We also know the value of an all-day field trip, focusing on athletic skills, sportsmanship, and fun outside!

We are grateful for another successful year of our elementary athletics programs promoting teamwork, leadership, and physical health in our Cincinnati youth. That’s why we organized the end-of-school-year event for our elementary soccer program, the ABC Spring Soccer Invitational!

On Friday, May 5, 2023, over students in ABC’s Elementary Soccer program descended on Stargel Stadium in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood for a full-day of soccer related activities. Over 80 students represented 8 different CPS elementary schools were given the free opportunity to participate in this day-long event.

The invitational is the culminating event after our ABC Soccer program, in partnership with FC Cincinnati Community Foundation, wherein students get to participate in an afterschool soccer program in the spring and fall months, at no charge!

The ABC Soccer Invitational happens biennially, and it brings together elementary school students from all our participating schools for mini-games, skills clinics, and fun health oriented and team building activities. Each student also receives a free meal and nourishment throughout the day. 

The games are played in a fun and positive environment which emphasizes sportsmanship over, and every participant receives gifts to commemorate the experience at the close of the event. The ABC Soccer Invitational not only promotes physical activity but also encourages socializing and building community relationships among young athletes. 

We are incredibly grateful that we were able to participate in providing this opportunity to our elementary students in Cincinnati Public Schools. While this event presents a great opportunity for our youth to have fun outside, it is also a chance to learn and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and sportsmanship. The Spring Soccer Invitational goes beyond just physical activity and provides a platform for children to connect with others, build friendships, and learn to be part of a team.

We’d like to thank Anthem and TQL Foundation for sponsoring the ABC Soccer Invitational and all our participating students! And thanks most to our youth across the city that spent their out of school time having fun with us. We hope we see you again next year!

News

Behind the Wheel: ABC Launches Drivers Education Pilot Program

Photo credit: Scott's Driving Academy

Six new drivers are soon to hit the road, and it’s all thanks to a pilot program out of Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC). The program, launched in spring of 2023, aims to provide drivers education to students who could not otherwise afford it.

Drivers education is a critical life skill and an essential part of high school education, and it is necessary for students to learn to drive safely and responsibly. Learning to drive opens up many opportunities and grants a great many freedoms, such as more choices in work / professions, the flexibility to run errands, and the ability to travel to new places. Additionally, having a driver’s license can also provide independence and autonomy, which are critical for personal growth and development.

In addition to these practical benefits, learning to drive also has a significant impact on safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, with the number one cause of accidents being cited as driving inexperience. This statistic underscores the importance of providing drivers education for students to ensure that they learn to drive safely and responsibly. By providing students with the opportunity to learn to drive safely, we are creating a safer environment for all drivers on the road.

Photo credit: Scott's Driving Academy
Photo credit: Scott's Driving Academy

To enroll in the program, students at Aiken High School were asked to submit an essay (up to 500 words) demonstrating their need and desire for the program. From this pool of applicants, students were then selected based on their essay, proof of drivers permit (which needed to be attained independently), and by their school performance (including grades, attendance, and behavioral records such as recent detentions/suspensions). After acceptance into the program, students worked with ABC’s partner Scott’s Driving Academy to take classes online and schedule their in-person, behind-the-wheel lessons.

ABC extends our many thanks to Scott’s Driving Academy for making this program accessible for these students. Thanks also for the engagement and support of Kim Ronnebaum, Program Manager at Activities Beyond the Classroom; and Dana Bierman, ABC’s Resource Coordinator placed at Aiken High School. We are so proud and grateful for our tremendous staff, without whom tremendous programs like these would not be possible. ABC hopes to expand this program next school year, giving more students the freedom and autonomy that driving allows.

News

Cheviot Elementary Students Welcome New Citizens

On Friday, April 21, 2023, the Cheviot School hosted its first ever Naturalization Ceremony, recognizing 61 community members from 30 countries as citizens of the United States. 

The event was led by the Honorable Karen L. Litkovitz, United States District Court Judge, who spoke to the audience and welcomed them to the United States. In addition, Cheviot students welcomed the guests in their native languages, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and performed patriotic musical numbers, such as “This Land Is Your Land.”

As they were leaving, each new citizen received a piece of artwork from the students. 

ABC’s Resource Coordinator at Cheviot, Mr. Onyango Collier, was largely responsible for planning the logistics for the event, making sure that it went off without a hitch. ABC was proud to provide sponsorship for the food and beverages provided to guests at the event.

Principal Solomon-Gray, Assistant Principal Kevin Williams, and additional school leadership were incredibly vital to the creation and planning of this amazing event. Gifted Academy Teacher, Crystal McFarland, served as the contact for the Judge Litkovitz, coordinating her appearance at the event.

“This Naturalization Ceremony today speaks to the diversity we welcome and celebrate daily at Cheviot School,” says Assistant Principal Williams. “We educate more than 10 different ethnic and cultural backgrounds which directly reflects the make-up of our new citizens. We are extremely proud and humbled to have hosted this terrific ceremony.” 

Check Out Additional Coverage from this Incredible Event

The Cheviot School’s first ever Naturalization Ceremony has received recognition from prominent members of the Cincinnati media. Check out additional coverage by clicking on the links below:

News

Reds Community Fund Presents New Baseball Uniforms to Shroder

Charley Frank, of the Reds Community Fund, presents new uniforms to the baseball team at Shroder High School.

On Monday, April 10, 2023, the Reds Community Fund presented brand new uniforms to the baseball team at Shroder High School. Reds mascot Gapper was in attendance as well, to energize the audience and present the jerseys to the team. This opportunity came through the partnership of ABC, the Reds Community Fund, and Cincinnati Public Schools.

All interscholastic baseball and softball programs that submitted their 2023 budget or spending plan for donations were eligible to be chosen to win a new set of Nike uniform tops. This was made possible through their partnership with Nike.

ABC’s Senior Manager of Athletics, Ricky Miller, worked closely with CPS and Don Newberry, ABC’s Athletic Director at Shroder, to submit a plan for Shroder’s baseball team.

Through great fortune, Shroder High School was selected through a random drawing, awarding their baseball team with brand new uniforms.

Shroder Athletic Director Don Newberry addresses the audience.

Students and faculty gathered in the gymnasium after school on Monday April 10th for the presentation of new uniforms to the baseball team. Charley Frank, the Executive Director of the Reds Community Fund, addressed the crowd to congratulate Shroder and thank those who made this possible.

ABC’s Athletic Director at Shroder High School, Don Newberry, also spoke to thank Nike and the Reds Community Fund for gifting the uniforms to the team. In addition, Newberry thanked ABC and CPS for working together to make this possible.

After the speeches, Gapper presented the new uniforms to the baseball team. The team then tried on their new uniforms, and showed them off in a few pictures.

Gapper displays the new uniforms for the audience.

Immediately following the ceremony, Shroder’s baseball team headed out to play their first game of the season against Hughes. The team will have their next home game on Saturday, April 15th, against Riverview East. 

“Shroder had not had new baseball uniforms for several years and it’s great to get them something new and something as special as custom Nike tops, that the kids can take pride in wearing,” adds Newberry.

ABC is absolutely delighted to be able to partner with the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund and Cincinnati Public Schools, to bring these amazing new uniforms to students at Shroder High School. Through acts such as this, we hope to encourage students to participate in baseball and softball, and keep Cincinnati Public Schools students engaged in extracurricular programs.

News

Q&A With Alex Stillpass of the ABC Board of Trustees

1) The age-old Cincinnati question: where did you go to school?

I graduated from Walnut Hills High School in 1983. I earned my bachelor’s degree in political economy with a history focus from the Murphy Institute of political economy at Tulane University. It is basically a Philosophy, History Economics, and Political Science degree all wrapped up into one. 

I still hold fond memories of Walnut Hills, and believe my experience there has shaped who I have become in many different ways.

2) What is your professional background?

I had an interest in finance and investments, so I interned at a firm in New Orleans. Then I came home and got a job working for the oldest public finance bank in the state of Ohio, Seasongood & Mayer.

I then moved to Ross, Sinclaire & Associates and practiced there for nearly 29 years, until the Firm closed in 2020. I focused my practice on tax advantage investing, including municipal finance, tax credits, and ESG investments. I now work with a few partners as a consultant, specializing in tax credits.

3) Tell us a little about your family!

My wife Lisa is a lawyer who grew up in Finneytown, graduating from Our Lady of Angels High School (which has since merged with Roger Bacon) and University of Cincinnati College of Law. I have twin daughters, who are now in their mid-20’s, and both graduated from Walnut Hills High School. One attended Notre Dame and now works in finance, and the other attended University of Michigan and now works in tech. My daughters were the third generation of my family to graduate from Walnut Hills!

4) When you were in school: did you participate in any extracurricular activities? If so, which ones and what skills do you think you gained from them?

I loved basketball, but was not a very good player. I had an opportunity to participate by being the varsity basketball manager as a 7th grader. I played football until 9th grade, and participated in track & field, where I threw shotput and discus. I gained communication skills and learned a lot from being on the sidelines during basketball games.

5) Outside of ABC, in what ways do you give (or in what ways have you given) to the community?

My family was very philanthropic and helped put me on the right path. My parents were both always involved in community causes like the Community Chest (now the United Way), the symphony, community parks, and Findlay Market Foundation.

I am on the board of a national organization that is a community development entity focused on community impact projects. I was also on the board of Centerpoint Health, until it became part of Talbert House. Mostly, I try to give back through ABC. ABC is my passion project.

6) What do you see as the greatest challenge for today’s students, and what do you think ABC’s role is in addressing that challenge?

This is a difficult question to answer in simple terms because everybody is different and everybody learns and interacts differently. That said, I think the toughest challenge is for ABC to provide for students to learn and better understand themselves through how they interact with others. It can be challenging to provide an atmosphere for children to expand their curiosity about academics, and keep them focused on the importance of staying in school when there are so many distractions.

ABC [creates a] structured place through sports, dance arts and music, to give children a time to come together in teams and in a learning environment that is outside of the classroom. The activities we help provide are a piece of the path to understanding how to present themselves in social, work, and learning atmospheres.

7) What is one of your favorite ABC programs and why?

It is tough because ABC does so many beneficial things, and I love all ABC programs! If I have to choose, I would pick the two programs we support that focus on kids that do not have robust advocates these are Kids In School Rule (KISR) and the support of Project Connect.

These programs are incredibly important to help children who are truly at risk. These children do not always have access to the proper guidance in order to achieve academically and generally lack support in life. KISR and Project Connect help keep the most at-risk children engaged and involved with their studies and enrichment programs.

[Note from ABC: Kids in School Rule! serves students experiencing foster care, and Project Connect serves students experiencing homelessness]

8) What are some goals you’d like to see ABC accomplish in the future?

I’d love to see ABC expand our services. The model that ABC has honed over the years is one that can be replicated, and should resonate beyond our current geographic focus.

9) What is the most important thing you would like the public to know about ABC?

That we do good work that is very impactful to the children in our community.

News

Western Hills Makes History With First Varsity Gymnastics Team at CPS

As the dust settles on the inaugural season of the Western Hills High School’s gymnastics team, it’s time to reflect on the impact it had on the school and its students. The launch of the gymnastics program was a significant milestone for the school, and its success exceeded all expectations.

The gymnastics team was the first of its kind in the district and provided an opportunity for students to explore their passion for gymnastics. The team comprised of talented individuals who were dedicated to the sport and committed to representing their school with pride.

The team’s success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of its members, as well as the coaching staff, led by head coach Victoria Oakley and assistant coach Kate Ryder. “Gymnastics is very different from other sports,” said Oakley. “It is a very tight knit community and we knew that we would be incredibly supported by the other teams in our district.”

Gymnastics as a sport has generally catered to predominantly white, middle class neighborhoods. WCPO recently reported on the founding of the first gymnastics team at a historically Black college/university (at Fisk University). The article references the low composition of Black gymnasts on teams (10%), yet the high composition of Black athletes on Olympic and NCAA teams. “While our girls are not quite going to be the next NCAA champions or even the next state qualifiers, it is incredibly important to us that they can see themselves represented in all facets of life,” shared Oakley. “We want them to become role models for the younger girls in the gym. These West High girls, like the Fisk Gymnasts, are doing something that has never been done before.”

Under their coaches’ guidance, the team developed their skills and gained valuable experience that will serve them well in the future. The impact of the sport went far beyond the mat; it brought the school community together, rallying around the team and supporting them every step of the way. It also provided an opportunity for students to develop important values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

The launch of the gymnastics team was a significant milestone for Western Hills High School, and its success has set a standard for future seasons and schools across the district. The team has laid the groundwork for future generations of gymnasts, inspiring them to pursue their passion for the sport and achieve their goals.

“We want to continue to expand our program,” Oakley shared about the future. “Most of our team this year consisted of freshmen this year, so we are truly excited to see what skills they can gain over the next few years. We would love to see other CPS schools offer gymnastics in their schools as well!”

Coaches Oakley and Ryder also requested support from the community through presence at meets. “If showing up is not possible, we would love for people to follow us on Instagram to watch our journey and spread the word about our team! These girls are incredibly resilient, hard working and brave- they deserve to feel supported and be recognized for their accomplishments.” 

News

CPS Basketball All-Star Showcase Set to Return in 2023

2022 CPS All-Star Basketball Showcase (photo credit: Cincinnati Public Schools)

Athletes From All 14 CPS High Schools Receive Recognition

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the 2nd Annual CPS All-Star Basketball Showcase will return, taking place at Woodward High School. After a successful inaugural event, Cincinnati Public Schools, the University of Cincinnati, and Activities Beyond the Classroom are collaborating to bring the event back strong for 2023.

Each of the 14 CPS high schools will get to send all-stars to participate in the event, consisting of a skills competition, 3 point contest, dunk contest, cheerleader contests, and all-star games (boys and girls).

At the same time, there will also be a college and career fair taking place at Woodward. This presents a great opportunity for students to learn more about college and job opportunities.

“On behalf of ABC, I am so excited to be involved in this year’s CPS Basketball All-Star Showcase, presented by the University of Cincinnati, as the lead for sponsorships and donations,”  says Ricky Miller, ABC’s Senior Manager of Athletics. “The support we’re receiving from the Cincinnati community and beyond has given us a great chance to increase our donation to Project Connect, through the proceeds of this year’s event!”

University of Cincinnati Provides Support

The University of Cincinnati has stepped up tremendously to support the event in 2023. Not only is UC stepping in as the presenting sponsor, but UC is also giving their students an opportunity to be involved in planning and working the event, to strengthen their work-study experience.

Dr. David Kelley, Associate Professor in the Sports Administration program at the University of Cincinnati, is instrumental in making the connection between UC and the All-Star Showcase. Dr. Kelley is heavily involved in the planning and organizing of the event, and connects students in his classes to the event as well.

From Dr. Kelley, “the partnership between the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Public Schools, as well ABC and Project Connect has really evolved into a very powerful relationship. I am so pleased and honored to be a part of helping coordinate this All-Star Basketball event which includes an education/career fair. Overall, having my UC Sport Administration Program students involved as interns and volunteers provides them with the hands-on/applied experience of event management and simultaneously, teaches them that we are ultimately focused on Community Service and generating funds to counteract the real-world challenges of homelessness within the Cincinnati Public Schools.”  

Josh Hardin, the Athletics Manager at Cincinnati Public Schools has played a vital role in collaborating with Dr. Kelley to plan and organize the event. Hardin says of the partnership, ” Cincinnati Public Schools is grateful for the growing partnership with the University of Cincinnati. We are looking forward to working with UC & our great partners at Activities Beyond the Classroom Classroom, to host a phenomenal event for our students & community, with our call to action for Project Connect, and students experiencing homelessness.”

Additional Support Needed for the 2023 CPS All-Star Showcase

Due to a limited capacity at Woodward High School, spectators will be limited to student athletes, family members, and sponsors. Tickets are not available for purchase and will not be available at the door. The Showcase will be livestreamed, giving those who can’t attend in-person the opportunity to view this incredible event and support CPS student athletes. 

ABC is leading the sponsorship committee in efforts to raise money to donate to Project Connect, benefitting students in CPS that are experiencing homelessness. Sponsorships and donations are available and open to negotiation.

Click below to support the 2023 All-Star Basketball Showcase, and support Project Connect!

News

Cincinnati Reds Community Fund Steps Up to the Plate

Baseball and softball season are fast approaching, and students are picking up their bats and dusting off their mitts for try outs. In Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), students can be especially grateful to a local powerhouse for stepping up to the plate to deliver equitable support for diamond sports districtwide.

Through Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC), the Reds Community Fund is providing financial support for diamond sports for grades 7-12 in Cincinnati Public Schools. For more than a decade, these donations have provided CPS athletic departments the opportunity to grow and improve upon their diamond sport programs.

“CPS Athletics and ABC have been great partners,” said Reds Community Fund Executive Director, Charley Frank. “Baseball and softball have struggled in the urban core compared to the suburbs, and it’s vital to keep the game relevant at the junior high and high school levels. We’re fortunate that we have two strategic allies that care about the game and want the best for the kids.”

Funds donated to schools are used for a variety of things like new jerseys, equipment, field maintenance, and more. “It’s through this support that [ABC is] able to meet our mission of providing more opportunities for kids to participate in athletics and other activities by increasing access and resources in a city with rich diamond sports history,” said Ricky Miller, Senior Manager of Athletics at ABC. Miller, who spent years at the bat and as a team manager, was elated at the support of the Reds Community Fund. “I’m very excited and optimistic about the direction of baseball and softball in our Cincinnati neighborhoods.”

Charley Frank (right) of the Reds Community Fund and Former Reds Pitcher Sal Romano speak to young baseball enthusiasts.

In addition, the Reds Community Fund is close to officially opening its brand new “Cleveland Parker Field” at the Blair Recreation Complex in Avondale, which will be accessible to CPS baseball and softball teams. The new field will have dugouts, a new scoreboard provided by ABC, and a new turf infield. “That turf field, for anyone who is unfamiliar, is a real luxury,” commented Carmen Lawrence-Bille, ABC Director of Advancement. “Turf fields are more resilient, which means they don’t rain out as easily and we’ll see fewer cancellations due to weather.” 

When asked about the value that the Reds Community Fund provides to CPS students and to Cincinnati at large, Josh Hardin, CPS Athletics Manager, commented, “this goes far beyond the game. The donations and resources that the Reds Community Fund provides mean more resources for our kids. More resources lead to more opportunities. More opportunities means more equity, and more collaboration across the district and nonprofits in Cincinnati. And really, isn’t that what we’re all here to do? To make Cincinnati a better place?”

“The Reds Community Fund is a spectacular partner for ABC and CPS,” Carmen continued. “We hope that their magnanimity and generosity serve as inspiration for other organizations to step up to the table in support of this amazing community.”

“The Reds Community Fund is a spectacular partner for ABC and CPS,” Carmen continued. “We hope that their magnanimity and generosity serve as inspiration for other organizations to step up to the table in support of this amazing community.”

ABC would like to share our warm thanks with the Reds Community Fund for its support of diamond sports for Cincinnati students. Thanks also to the Cincinnati Recreation Commission for supporting diamond sports through its spaces and fields across Cincinnati.

News

Soccer Successes: ABC Hosts 300+ Students During Invitational

On November 11, Activities Beyond the Classroom hosted a soccer invitational for the many students participating in its elementary programming. Of the approximately 500 students involved in the program, 327 students from 19 CPS elementary schools were able to leave their desks for the school day to engage in a full day of soccer activities.

Students spent the morning participating in soccer drills and scrimmages, team-based art work, participative sessions on proper stretching and nutrition, and walks around the World Famous TQL Stadium. 

Kate Solomon of FC Cincinnati, Shauna Murphy of Cincinnati Public Schools, Mary Wineberg of the CPS Board, and Sally Grimes of ABC. Each spoke to the audience, welcoming & encouraging the children as well as thanking supporters for making the event possible.

A special treat came for the students that day, as Cincinnati Public School board member Mary Wineberg, an Olympic gold medalist runner, made a special appearance. She kicked a few goals with students and briefly spoke, reminding them of the importance of teamwork and perseverance.

In the afternoon, students enjoyed a free lunch in TQL Stadium’s First Financial Club. As they departed for the day, each student was presented with a certificate, FC Cincinnati rally towel and soccer ball, TQL water bottle, and ABC backpack. All programming and rewards were free for students, and students that were unable to participate still received these gifts from ABC, FC Cincinnati Foundation, and TQL Foundation.

Thank You to Supporters of the Soccer Invitational

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

In addition, ABC sends our most sincere thanks to FC Cincinnati Foundation and TQL Foundation for sponsoring this event, as well as Old Spice and First Financial Foundation for sponsoring the program. Thank you for making this day possible for the students of Cincinnati!