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.”
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:
“”I think the afterschool program is so much fun because we do so many fun things like arts and crafts, have parties, and dance. We made charms and a jack-o-lanterns. I just love the afterschool program!”
Ly’Dashia
3rd Grade
“Listening to a coach, following directions, but most of all getting to be together, having fun and learning skills they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.”
Angel Roddy
Principal, Mt. Airy School
“The ABC tennis initiative in elementary schools in the Cincinnati Public School District is the largest of its kind in our area, ever. Its partnership with the tennis community from the national level down to the grassroots is exactly how these programs should work. I commend ABC and all the front-line providersin CPS for all their time and effort.”
Bill Lofgren
Former President and Current Board Member of the Greater Cincinnati Tennis Association
You saw firsthand the satisfaction and self-respect that comes with success through hard work.”
Marlene Copley
Senior Instructor Five White Tigers Martial Arts
“What’s more fun than art and drama? The thing about art is that it helps me challenge myself to do different things. I didn’t even know I could do something [like this].”
Destiny
Taft High School 8th grader
