Outstanding students face future with optimism

CYC students work hard, and we are thrilled when they are recognized for their achievements!

Outstanding Student Award nominees (from left to right) Christian Kornegay, Jacey Schunk, Monica Murillo, Jayren Andrews and Shavell West. (Photo/Stephanie L. Smith)

The Cincinnati Youth Collaborative honored students who have conquered adversity with hope and optimism at the Outstanding Student Awards on June 21 and 23.

The sixteen students nominated for the award are attending college this fall, and are eligible to win one of three $1,000 scholarships.

Many of the nominees are first generation college students who have overcome obstacles such as homelessness; moving to the United States as a refugee while learning English as a second language; and the death of a parent while maintaining high GPAs and graduating in the top of their class.

The 2016 Outstanding Student Awards nominees are:

Jayren Andrews of Shroder High School

Niaj Bell of Woodward Career Technical High School

Devin Cromwell of Riverview East

Christian Kornegay of Oyler Community School

Gift Mayambi of Aiken New Tech

Monica Murillo of Norwood High School

Charlotte Niyonkuru of Withrow University High School

Dulce Ortiz-Perez of Gilbert A. Dater High School

Syirra Roberts of James N. Gamble Montessori High School

Jacey Schunk of Riverview East

Staci Stephens of Riverview East

Hayley Suiter of Riverview East

Mariejane Tuyizere of Withrow University High School

Christie Uetrecht of James N. Gamble Montessori High School

Shavell West of Hughes STEM High School

Mauriel Williams of Riverview East

They were introduced to college life and what to expect through a panel discussion with college graduates and students - several of them CYC alumni and first generation students - which was led by returning guest Mark Romito, director of external affairs at AT&T.

To honor their hard work, each nominee received a keepsake representing the college they will be attending, two tickets to Kings Island, and a bedspread or a handmade quilt for their dorm bed. The quilts were made and donated by Carol Fetters.

Visit CYC's Facebook page each day, starting July 5, to learn more about the nominees, leading up to the announcement of the three scholarship winners.

Reported by Stephanie L. Smith

CYC president and CEO Jane Keller and AT&T's director of external affairs Mark Romito with Outstanding Student Award nominees (back row, L to R) Mariejane Tuyizere, Niaj Bell, Christie Uetrecht, Hayley Suiter, (front row, L to R) Gift Mayambi, Charlotte Niyonkuru, and Staci Stephens. (Photo/Jacqueline Moses Meyer)

AT&T donates $10K to CYC in continued

support of mission

The Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) received a $10,000 donation from AT&T in continued support of CYC and its services, which prepares at-risk students to succeed in education, career, and life.

Mark Romito, director of external affairs at AT&T, presented the check to CYC's president and CEO, Jane Keller, on June 23 at CYC's annual Outstanding Student Awards ceremony.

"AT&T decided to support CYC because a major focus of the AT&T Foundation is to improve our nation's high school graduation rates and ensure high school graduates have a plan for post-secondary education," Romito said in an email.

AT&T has been in partnership with CYC for six years. Their continued support ensures CYC's mission will continue of every child achieving their full potential by having access to post-secondary education.

CYC Stories

Dr. John Bryant has made many contributions in children and young adult education, making him the perfect candidate to serve as CYC's executive director during the development of the organization in 1991. It was supposed to be a two-year appointment. Instead, it turned into 11 years, proving just how crucial CYC is to the Cincinnati area. Dr. Bryant is this month's CYC Hero.

College guides share tears and laughter

at end of service celebration

The AmeriCorps Ohio College Guides based at CYC said a heartfelt goodbye to staff and volunteers at their end of service celebration on June 17.

The Ohio College Guides program consists of 70 AmeriCorps members statewide who are beginning their careers in education and serve schools full time to help students develop post-secondary plans. Each member works 1,700 hours in 11 months. The guides based at CYC worked passionately to make sure their students in the Cincinnati Public Schools have the ability and the opportunity to pursue a college education -- as well as the skills to thrive while in college.

The 2015-16 alumni are:

Brenna Bartlett of Cincinnati Art and Technology Center and James N. Gamble Montessori High School

Danielle Boyle of Aiken New Tech High School

Alexander Johnson of Hughes STEM High School

Jackie Moon of Withrow University High School

Erin Purcell of Gilbert A. Dater High School

Charlie Thornton of Oyler High School

Jamie Wilson of Shroder Paideia High School

Kiaya White of Riverview East Academy

During the celebration, the team members shared reflections of their time as Ohio College Guides. The video can be found on CYC's Periscope page.

Reported by Stephanie L. Smith

2015-16 AmeriCorps Ohio College Guides who served at CYC

The 2015-16 AmeriCorps Ohio College Guides pose for one last photo together.

From left to right: AJ Johnson, Brenna Bartlett, Danielle Boyle, Charlie Thornton, Kiaya White, Jackie Moon, and Erin Purcell. Not pictured: Jamie Wilson. (Photo/Stephanie L. Smith)

Save these dates!

Sept. 24: Tailgating and College Football Game at UC

Join CYC mentors and mentees as the Bearcats take on the Miami Redhawks at Nippert Stadium.

Oct. 13: Dream Makers Celebration || Great American Ball Park

CYC's biggest event of the year celebrates all of our Dream Makers - students, mentors, staff, and patrons - and also raises crucial funding to support CYC's vital programs. For more information, click here.

Oct. 22: Pathways to Power Event at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (7th - 12th grade only)

Shop with Kroger and help CYC!

By enrolling in Kroger Community Rewards and using your Kroger Plus Card whenever you shop, local organizations like the CYC can earn up to $50,000 quarterly. Supporters can earn rewards on almost everything, every time they shop.

For more information about Kroger Community Rewards and to enroll, click here.

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative | 513.363.5200 | www.cycyouth.org

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