All posts by Carmen Lawrence-Billé

News

Return of the Jazz Fest – ABC Celebrates Increased Impact

You may remember the first Jazz Festival, taking place October 5, 2019 at the Aronoff Center. Over 250 Cincinnati students, grades 4-12, gathered to participate in workshops, masterclasses, and a culminating performance on the mainstage of the Aronoff Center. The evening featured performances from student grounds and an ensemble of professional musicians, including award-winning Chilean saxophonist Melissa Aldana, Todor Bakardzhiev (Bulgaria), pianist Shamie Royston (New York City), bassist Chris Berg (Dayton, Ohio), and drummer Art Gore (Cincinnati). Over 600 members of the community attended this evening performance. The event was so successful that Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) decided to make the event the first of many; the Jazz Festival would be an annual celebration.

A year later, we wrung our hands in anxiety as COVID-19 tore through the city. No international artists would be flying in; no students would get hands-on coaching with their instruments; no unmasked performances would be taking place. We knew our students questioned what the future looked like for Jazz Festival and for their own music instruction. We made ourselves busy connecting students with resources and virtual music instruction, all the while biding our time.

That is, until we got the fateful call: the International Jazz Festival was back. “We were given an unexpected call by the Cincinnati Arts Association sometime in March,” explained Director of Advancement Carmen Lawrence-Bille. “They said they had a date open at the Aronoff and did we want to bring back the Jazz Festival? We took a deep breath, knowing we had only a very short time to pull it all together, and we said yes.”

The International Jazz Festival returned May 7, 2022. Internationally famous jazz saxophonist Joan Chamorro from Barcelona Spain joined 107 students and 11 regional jazz musicians for a full day of workshops, masterclasses, and performance opportunities, followed by an evening performance on the main stage at the Aronoff Center. This year, because we knew cost of tickets was a barrier to access for families at the previous Jazz Festival, ABC waived ticket fees and allowed all members of the public free access to the show. By the time the instruments started playing, 1200 seats were full in the Aronoff Center (about double the attendance from the first Jazz Festival).

The second Jazz Festival increased impact on the Cincinnati community by 153%. “It was outstanding to look out from the stage and see almost the entire orchestra section of the house filled,” Sally Grimes commented. “To know that all of these families and individuals were here to celebrate Jazz and these students… to know that perhaps they’d all wanted to come last time but couldn’t because there was a ticket price, was amazing. We’ve learned from that. The Jazz Festival will remain free and accessible in future years, so that anyone who wants to learn about and appreciate jazz will be able to.”

Jazz Festival 2023

We are pleased to announce that the third annual Jazz Festival will take place May 6, 2023 at the Aronoff Center. “We’re incredibly excited for this event and are planning for it to be bigger and more impactful than ever,” shared Carmen Lawrence-Bille.

In the meantime, Jazz lovers and our student musicians will have plenty to keep them busy.

In September, members of the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Jazz Academy will visit Barcelona with Fine Arts Curriculum Manager Dr. Isi Rudnick and ABC Executive Director Sally Grimes to join this year’s international artist, Joan Chamorro, at his own city’s jazz festival, the Jazzing International Jazz Festival. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students,” Dr. Rudnick excitedly shared, “and it would not have happened for these students without the International Jazz Festival or ABC’s help.”

Furthermore, in November, our CPS Jazz Academy will host a Jazz Cabaret Fundraiser at Kennedy Heights Arts Center to support the Jazz Academy and all the inspiring work these students do. Marlin McKay, Cincinnati-area Trumpetist and professor at Georgetown college, applauds the program, saying, ““What Dr. Rudnick has accomplished by founding and growing the CPS Jazz Academy is astounding. This program is a national model of school and community jazz education. Every aspect of providing high quality jazz education to students has been carefully constructed by Dr. Rudnick. We are in the early planning stages of starting something similar in Lexington, Kentucky and we will model it on the Jazz Academy in Cincinnati. This is the most inclusive and dynamic jazz education program for school age students I have seen.”

If you would like to support the Jazz Academy or the third annual Jazz Festival, please consider making a donation or contacting us for more information!

News

200 Cincinnati-Area Students Attend Black Futures Program at TQL Stadium

D.A.D. Initiative Program to Focus on Remembering Black History and Developing Teen’s Futures

On February 24, 2022, The D.A.D. Initiative (Directing Adolescent Development) hosted the 2022 Black Futures program. The program took place at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati’s Historic West End, with over 200 teen students in attendance. The D.A.D. partnered with ABC, the FC Cincinnati Foundation, Buildwell Development Group, and other local organizations to support the full day event.

“Black Futures” was designed to honor black history while also focusing forward by providing career exposure for black teenagers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The program offered a new and engaging way for black high school students to learn about potential career options directly from successful black professionals who have exceled in various fields.

“All too often black adolescents are simply unaware of the career possibilities in front of them,” says Tyran Stallings, Executive Director at The D.A.D. Initiative. “But in a single day during Black History Month, we provided a forum for local students to learn from role models who look like them, about the infinite and very real career possibilities available to them.”

The 200 students in 11th and 12th grades met with 35 black professionals spanning a wide array of career fields. Not only did the students gain career insight, but also learned about the journey that these professionals experienced. The intention was for students to see the similarities between themselves and the speakers, learn about careers they might not have known about, and thus find motivation for their own future success.

ABC was honored to partner with the D.A.D. Initiative to sponsor and support the Black Futures Event at TQL Stadium. In addition to ABC, the D.A.D. Initiative partnered with several key sponsors to host Black Futures, including:

• FC Cincinnati Foundation
• Buildwell Development Group representing a wide range of careers have volunteered to engage Black students in candid conversations about their respective paths to success.

“All too often Black adolescents are simply unaware of the career possibilities in front of them,” says Tyran Stallings, Executive Director at The D.A.D. Initiative. “But in a single day during Black History Month, we provided a forum for local students to learn from role models who look like them, about the infinite and very real career possibilities available to them.”

About The D.A.D. Initiative

The Directing Adolescent Development (D.A.D.) Initiative is a nonprofit founded in 2013 when founder, Tyran Stallings, noticed the need to grow black male participation in the educational process, where only 2% of teachers are black men. The ethos behind the initiative is that “the foundation for massive change starts with incremental ones”.

The D.A.D. Initiative now serves thousands as it engages students, families, and the community in programs spanning from technological education to workforce development. The initiative provides mentorship, education workshops, 21st century skills development courses, summer enrichment programs, community health events, and workforce development trainings.

News

Thank You to Athletic Director Steve Ellison for Your Tenure at ABC

Steve Ellison served the past five years as the Athletic Director at Walnut Hills High School.

ABC was heavy hearted to learn that Steve Ellison would be stepping down from his role as Athletic Director of Walnut Hills High School, effective June 30, 2022, but we are incredibly grateful for his tenure. Since taking the position in 2017, Ellison dedicated himself to serving the student athletes of Walnut Hills High School. Under his leadership, he shifted core values within the department, increased awareness of student athletes in the community, and implemented the Student Athlete Leadership Team, as well as countless other initiatives that helped provide student athletes with support and mentorship.

Steve was recognized for his amazing work as Athletic Director in 2019, when he was named Athletic Director of the Year by the Southwest Ohio Athletic Director Association (SWOADA) and Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA). In 2020, he was named the recipient of SWOADA/OIAAA’s Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his length of service, special accomplishments, and contributions to athletic administration at the local, state, and national levels.

Steve is the President and co-founder of the Minority Athletic Director Association (MADA), a group of men and women that serve as mentors to the next generation of athletic directors and share information and strategies to facilitate success in high school athletic administration. MADA seeks to bring racial equity to Athletic Directors, providing support, professional development, and social strength to minority AD’s in Southwest Ohio. MADA currently has 21 members, representing 13 different schools. 

We are incredibly grateful for his nine-year tenure at ABC, which began when he started as the Athletic Director of Woodward High School. During his tenure at Woodward, Steve oversaw the addition of programs such as softball and wrestling, increased student participation on all levels, and implemented an academic accountability program.

On behalf of everyone at ABC, we would like to send our most sincere thanks to Steve Ellison for his nine years with our organization, and would like to wish him the very best at Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, and all of his future endeavors.

Steve was a Co-Captain of the ABC Kickball Team in 2019
News

ABC’s Cheri Jordan Named Resource Coordinator of the Year By Adopt A Class

Activities Beyond the Classroom is proud to share that Cheri Jordan was named the 2022 Resource Coordinator of the Year by Adopt A Class.

Cheri Jordan is the resource coordinator at Silverton Elementary, where 74% of students come from low-income households. “We’ve seen some really tremendous successes at Silverton Elementary, due to Cheri’s hard work,” shared Deputy Director Rachel Stallings. “She has connected the school to some great support and been essential to nurturing the relationship with other nonprofits like Adopt a Class.”

“Cheri is truly a joy to work with,” said Director of Advancement Carmen Lawrence-Bille. “She is an excellent listener who hears the needs of her community. She’s great at finding solutions to meet these needs, and she follows through on these ideas with clear communication and efficiency. She’s a team member I know I can count on. I’m not at all surprised Cheri won this award; she is an exemplary resource coordinator.”  

“Our resource coordinators have tremendous impact in their schools,” said Stallings. “Through ABC’s network of support and partners, our team is able to bring projects to fruition incredibly efficiently.” ABC’s resource coordinators connect students and families to organizations and supports to promote their success and wellness both in and outside of school. “We are incredibly proud of the work our resource coordinators do in their ten schools across Cincinnati and we plan on growing our resource coordination program at ABC.”

Adopt A Class Celebration Breakfast at Greenacres

Adopt A Class Executive Director, Sonya Fultz, presents Cheri Jordan with the award for the Resource Coordinator of the Year

Cheri was honored at an awards ceremony held on June 7, 2022, at Greenacres Arts Center. The audience consisted of luminaries from across Cincinnati’s corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. “It was a beautiful ceremony, held in one of the most gorgeous spaces in Cincinnati, filled with honorees that are making this city a better place every day,” commented Carmen Lawrence-Bille.

Adopt a Class is present in 33 schools across the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky region. With the help of over 130 partner organizations, it has reached 5,000 students in our communities. It was through a partnership with Adopt a Class and ABC’s Cheri Jordan that enabled VEGA America’s field trip to Silverton Elementary this past school year. ABC is grateful to have Adopt A Class provide incredible learning opportunities at four CPS schools where ABC is the lead agency, and we hope to strengthen our partnership with their organization, and increase their presence where we are the lead agency.

News

ABC Honored With Cincinnatus Association’s 2022 Spencer Award for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

ABC's Rachel Stallings (Deputy Director), Sally Grimes (Executive Director), and Sophia Scott (Director of Operations) accept the Donald and Marian Spencer Award on May 10, 2022

On May 10, 2022, the Cincinnatus Association honored Activities Beyond the Classroom during their 7th Annual Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America awards dinner at the Hilton Netherland Plaza. ABC was one of six local businesses and non-profit organizations selected as a recipient of the Cincinnatus Association’s distinguished Spencer Award, honoring organizations that deliver conspicuous and enduring contributions that have created greater diversity and inclusion in our community.

Activities Beyond the Classroom was recognized for its equitable and inclusive programs throughout the community, as well as its recently adopted new organizational values. The core concept of these values is to exemplify IDEA: an acronym standing for inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. 

“It is such a privilege to receive this award,” Executive Director Sally Grimes shared. “The staff here at ABC is dedicated to creating accessible and equitable opportunities for all kinds of families throughout our community. This award recognizes all that hard work, and is a great reminder of how much work there is yet to do.”

ABC Video Created for Spencer Award Banquet

In 2019, ABC had the honor of sharing the accomplishments of filmmaker Xander Wynn. At the time of the article, Xander was a student at Walnut Hills High School and had been a participant ABC’s partner program, Fourthwall Youth Studios, since the summer of 2014. Now a graduate of CPS and running his own film production company, ABC is honored to share a video Xander created for the Spencer Awards on behalf of ABC. 

Please click below to check out the video created by CPS and Fourthwall alum, Xander Wynn:

A Distinguished Cohort

Activities Beyond the Classroom is honored and humbled to have shared the honor of receiving this years award alongside the following distinguished partners, nonprofits, and community-minded thinkers:

  • Avondale Development Corporation was founded in 2011 for the purpose of improving the quality of lives of the residents of Avondale, the largest African American neighborhood of Cincinnati. ADC’s mission is to direct the revitalization of Avondale by developing housing, real estate, and economic initiatives while collaborating with residents and partners to address priorities that promote the well-being of Avondale residents. 
     
  • Clifton Cultural Arts Center is the only multi-disciplinary arts center in the racially and socioeconomically diverse Uptown neighborhoods of Corryville, Clifton, Avondale, Clifton Heights-University Heights-Fairview, and Mt. Auburn. CCAC’s mission is to build a community-created place where people of all ages, races, culture, and socioeconomic status connect with one another through art. CCAC’s average attendance is over 40,000.  
  • Lighthouse Youth Services empowers young people and families to succeed through a continuum of care that promotes healing and growth. Serving clients ages 0-24 and the families that surround them, Lighthouse is a “trauma-informed” agency that serves 4,000 diverse clients annually in their various programs. 
  • Santa Maria Community Services is a catalyst and advocate for Cincinnati’s Greater Price Hill families. Santa Maria focuses on promoting family and individual wellbeing. 
  • TriVersity Construction is a for-profit organization and is among the largest commercial construction companies in the tri-state region. TriVersity is known for their focus on the customer experience during the construction process, their investment in ongoing innovation, and their deep commitment to the communities in which they operate. They have an active commitment to various community service organizations by encouraging their employees to volunteer. 
News

Brian Leshner Commended by CPS Board of Education

On June 13, 2022, former Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) Executive Director, Brian Leshner, received a formal commendation from the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) Board of Education for his 18 years of service to the district.

“Brian has always completed his executive obligations and duties for ABC with understanding, consideration, and good humor and always with a sense of integrity, keen intelligence, and a gentleness of spirit to everyone,” reads the commendation, which was passed unanimously by the six board members present. Brian attended the meeting in-person to accept the commendation, where he received a standing ovation from the Board of Education and an engraved plaque celebrating his achievements.

“Brian has done a magnificent job,” Dick Friedman, ABC’s President of the Board, acknowledged to the Board of Education. “We are so pleased, and we thank [the Board of Education] for the commendation and the resolution. Brian deserves everything. He is the best of the best.” ABC board members Bob Bedinghaus and Carol Gibbs, as well as current Executive Director Sally Grimes, also joined Dick, standing behind Brian Leshner as this resolution was passed. Their glowing smiles as Brian received his plaque spoke volumes about the pride they each feel in being a part of Brian and ABC’s stories.

Brian shook hands, bumped elbows, and hugged all board members present with a mutual respect and admiration that comes from years of collaboration and support. As Brian accepted his commendation, he shared, “I said [this position] was going to be my ‘legacy job,’ and it turned out to be my legacy job. I can’t feel any better about anything I’ve ever done, than head up ABC.”

Though Brian has exited the role as Executive Director, he remains an active member of the ABC family as a member of the advancement staff. To learn more about Brian Leshner’s accomplishments with ABC or to congratulate Brian on this commendation, please visit abccincy.org or get in touch.

News

Shauniece Steele Joins Walnut Hills High School as Athletic Director on July 1

On July 1, Shauniece Steele will join Activities Beyond the Classroom as the new Athletic Director at Walnut Hills High School. Steele has been an Assistant Athletic Director at Walnut Hills since 2016, and was named SWOADA (Southwest Ohio Athletic Director Association) Middle School Athletic Director of Year for the 2020-21 school year. 

Steve Ellison, previous Walnut Athletic Director, will be the new Athletic Director at Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy beginning July 1.

A graduate of Walnut Hills High School in 2010, Steele lettered in volleyball, indoor track, and outdoor track (becoming both a state and national champion during her tenure). She earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from The University of Akron and her master’s degree in Sports Administration from The University of Cincinnati. 

“Walnut Hills is home to me,” Steele shared. “In addition to being a student athlete at Walnut, I also participated in the marching band, held office in student government, and was a member of many different student groups. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape me. I look forward providing the same, if not better, experiences and opportunities for the current generation of students.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Shauniece to this new role,” said Sally Grimes, Executive Director of Activities Beyond the Classroom. “Not only will she be an excellent Athletic Director who cares deeply about the kids at Walnut, but she already knows the Walnut students and their goals for athletics and extracurriculars. She’ll be ready to jump into the role at 100% on July 1.”

Josh Hardin, CPS Athletics Manager, added “Cincinnati Public Schools is beyond proud to announce Shauniece Steele as the next Athletic Director of Walnut Hills. Shay is a product of CPS, an exceptional former athlete of Walnut Hills High School and is the right leader for her alma mater. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to build and grow the legacy of excellence at Walnut Hills.” 

News

Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program Brings Back Summer Program for 2022

The Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (C.A.M.P.) is excited to announce that they are bringing back their in-person Summer CAMP for the summer of 2022! Throughout this week-long program beginning July 10th, students entering the 7th and 8th grades in the fall will be exposed to the world of architecture. The Summer CAMP program will be hosted at University of Cincinnati’s Design, Architecture, Art and Planning facility, where students will explore UC’s campus and beyond. This marks the second time that CAMP will offer this program since COVID forced things to come to a halt in 2020.

During Summer CAMP, students will be introduced to the discipline of architecture, learn about influential architects of color, and be given instruction in drawing and design through presentations and hands-on group projects. They will also have the opportunity to work alongside architectural educators and professionals, allowing them to gain first-hand knowledge of working in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and design.  At the conclusion of the week, students will host an exhibit where they will welcome family and friends to display their final projects and creations.

This year, Summer CAMP is partnering with Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens to give students the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world environment.  Activities Beyond the Classroom is proud to serve as fiscal sponsor for Summer CAMP, and is excited about their collaborative efforts with many outstanding local architectural organizations making this summer camp experience possible for local area youth.

A Week of Immersive and Engaging Activities

This week-long Summer CAMP kicks off on Sunday, July 10th, with an online orientation for both students and their parents. For the remainder of the week, students will meet at the UC, where they will be introduced to various design and building techniques.

A few activities during the week include:

  • Habitat Design – Students will have the opportunity to visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens to learn about animals that live at the zoo and how humans can help their environment. Campers will work together and participate in Animal Encounters and explore different parts of the zoo for inspiration on design projects.  
  • 100+1 Exercise – A “mystery box” style challenge where students will be tasked to create structures using multiples of common household items.
  • Architects of Color – students will be introduced to the many talented architects of color that have made significant contributions to local, national, and international buildings and structures.
  • Perspective Drawing & Presentation – Students will learn to apply various perspectives to present their ideas to “clients” and various stakeholders.

At the end of the week on July 16th, students will present their work to family, friends, and event attendees during the project exhibit. The CAMP will conclude with a graduation ceremony for campers to celebrate their week-long journey and accomplishments.  

About the Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program

Founded in 2005, the Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (C.A.M.P.) is a volunteer organization created with the mission to diversify the field of architecture, by opening doors for children who normally might not think of it as a career option. C.A.M.P. was developed by a collaborative effort of a diverse group of five architectural professionals who all shared this common goal. These partners include the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID), the American Institute of Architects, and the National Organization of Minority Architects.  

C.A.M.P.’s immersive summer camp experience helps bring the world of design to life for students in the Cincinnati-area. The summer program provides building blocks for students to explore their creativity and passions while exploring this exciting new career path.

How to Apply to Summer CAMP

Applications are open now through May 1st on C.A.M.P.’s website at www.cincyarchcamp.org. Summer CAMP tuition is $75 per camper. Tuition assistance is available for students in need. For questions about tuition assistance or Summer CAMP, contact the Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program at info@cincyarchcamp.org. Spots are limited so make sure to get your applications in early.

News

ABC and CPS Fine Arts to Host CPS International Jazz Festival 2022

Performances by Internationally Renowned Jazz Artists and CPS Student Musicians

Jazz-loving Cincinnatians are invited to the 2nd CPS International Jazz Festival, hosted by Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC). The event is at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St.

The festival will feature over 100 student musicians from the Cincinnati Public Schools Jazz Academy performing with internationally famous jazz saxophonist Joan Chamorro from Barcelona Spain. Also featured on the program will be some of the finest jazz artists from the tri-state area. 

The pre-COVID inaugural Jazz Fest (October 2019) was a successful celebration of music education; watch a recap of the first event at https://youtu.be/DrynhYWv01w.

“This evening will be a spectacular showcase of the student talent we have in CPS”.  said Dr. Isidore Rudnick, Jazz Festival Director and CPS Fine Arts Curriculum Manager.  “The CPS International Jazz Festival provides CPS students with the unique opportunity to perform with, listen to and learn from some of the best professional jazz artists here in Cincinnati and from around the world,” he added.

Tri-State professional jazz artists include:  

  • John Zappa (Northern Kentucky) trumpet
  • Angie Coyle (Cincinnati) alto saxophone, flute
  • Jordan Pollard (Cincinnati) piano
  • Justin Dawson (Cincinnati) double bass
  • Taylor Nelson (Cincinnati) guitar
  • Josh Strange (Cincinnati) vibraphone
  • Brad Klein (clarinet)
  • Terry Twitty (trombone)
  • Myles Twitty (trumpet)

Special performances by:

  • CPS Elementary Jazz Academy Orchestras
  • CPS Junior High School Jazz Academy Combo
  • CPS High School Jazz Academy Orchestra
  • CPS Jazz Academy Faculty Ensemble

“ABC is thrilled to host the 2nd CPS International Jazz Festival,” said Sally Grimes, Executive Director of Activities Beyond the Classroom. “COVID required cancelling the 2020 and 2021 events, and we’ve been eager to showcase CPS’s student musicians again. We look forward to sharing our city’s talented children with the public, and hope to fill the house to support the students and their musical endeavors.”

The event is FREE but tickets are required for entry. Tickets will be available in the P&G Hall lobby starting at 6:00PM (one hour before showtime on May 7th). 

For more information, visit ABCCincy.org/cps-jazz-festival

Thank You Supporters of Jazz Fest

The event is presented by Activities Beyond the Classroom, a nonprofit that provides extracurricular and enrichment activities to CPS students at no cost to the students or their families. Event sponsors include Flip & Sheila Cohen, Cincinnati Arts Association, the Mayerson Foundation Artistic Excellence Fund, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Willis Music.

News

ABC Employees Receive High Accolades

In recent months, ABC’s KISR! Enrichment Manager, Austin Gullett, Deputy Director, Rachel Stallings, and Athletic Director at Woodward High School, Jabreel Moton, have each been recognized for their incredible work with ABC and in the Cincinnati community. ABC is incredibly proud of the dedication exemplified by these individuals. We are excited to share their well-deserved achievements

Austin Gullett: 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leader, Honored by National Afterschool Association

The National Afterschool Association is the voice of the afterschool profession, and their organization does tremendous work for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders. The NAA selected Austin Gullett, KISR Enrichment Manager at ABC, as one of NAA’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.

According to the organization, “in selecting its 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders.”

Austin was featured in the Spring 2022 issue of AfterSchool Today- both on the cover, and in a profile on page 33.  Check it out by clicking here: https://www.flipsnack.com/spring-2022-afterschool-today

Rachel Stallings: Ohio Whole Child Network

In February, ABC’s Deputy Director, Rachel Stallings was informed that she was one of only 150 members admitted into the Ohio Whole Child Network. The Ohio Whole Child Network is a brand new initiative from the Ohio Department of Education, which seeks to create a diverse network of educators, school personnel, child- and family-serving organizations and families who support children from early childhood to grade 12 and represent Ohio’s diverse communities. 

The Ohio Whole Child Network is a virtual place where schools, community organizations and families in every region of Ohio can learn from each other, share successes and best practices and support each other in this crucial work.  Together, the network aims to inspire Ohio schools and communities to create supportive and caring environments for children to reach their potential.

Jabreel Moton: SWOADA/OIAAA Athletic Director of the Year

Jabreel Moton had the distinguished honor of being named the Athletic Director of the Year by the Southwest District Ohio Athletic Directors Association. The SWOADA/OIAAA Athletic Director of the Year Award is determined by a vote among fellow athletic directors in the organization, and Jabreel’s amazing work at Woodward High School earned him the honor for 2022.

The organization says, “the SWOADA/OIAAA Athletic Director of the Year is presented to individuals who exemplify the highest standards of their profession and who, through their influence on the lives of young people under their direction, had made significant contributions to their school and community.”