CPS, UC partner to bring the 3rd annual All-Star Showcase to Fifth Third Arena
Local media covered the day’s events, which helped raise funds for Project Connect
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) All-Star Showcase, presented by the University of Cincinnati, returned to Fifth Third Arena Saturday, March 30, to highlight the accomplishments of top student-athletes through individual and team competitions.
“It’s all of our kids throughout the district highlighting the best basketball players and cheerleaders and we are doing it for fundraising to benefit Project Connect,” Josh Hardin, CPS athletics director told Fox 19 for a segment.
More than 1,000 spectators attended the daylong event. The third annual showcase raised $15,000 funds for Project Connect, CPS’ program to advocate and provide specialized academic services and lifestyle enrichment opportunities for children experiencing homelessness.
An additional $5,000 was raised for the Dowdy Memorial Trust Fund in recognition of DJ Dowdy, a former UC football player and CPS administrator. The event also featured a community, college and career fair that was designed to connect student athletes with area employers, U.S. military recruiters and representatives from area colleges and universities.
Representatives from UC and Cincinnati Public Schools display a $15,000 check for Project Connect. Photo courtesy of Tony Tribble/Cincinnati Public Schools Athletics.
Dr. Lori Wright, director of CPS Strong at UC, told Fox 19 events such as CPS All-Star Showcase are an important part of the university’s strategic plan to help increase the number of CPS students graduating and attending either UC or other institutions to obtain college degrees.
“It’s the culmination of an amazing partnership we have with the district and one of our core pillars is removing barriers to access and I think our commitment to Project Connect speaks to our desire to create a holistic environment where our students can succeed both in school and out of school,” Wright told Fox 19.
View media coverage of the event:
Top featured photo of CPS All-Star Showcase event in UC’s Fifth Third Arena. Photo courtesy of Tony Tribble/Cincinnati Public Schools Athletics.
Related Stories
UC Board of Trustees approves $12 million for building design phase for new welcome gateway
March 13, 2026
The UC Board of Trustees approved $12 million at its Feb. 24 meeting for the design phase of a new Welcome Gateway Building for Uptown campus.
Dual-arm robot stabilizes satellite for repairs in space
March 13, 2026
Interesting Engineering highlights an aerospace engineering research project examining novel ways to keep repair robots oriented in space.
Scientists discover how snakes stand upright without limbs
March 12, 2026
Earth.com highlights a study co-authored by UC Professor Bruce Jayne, an expert in snake locomotion, about how snakes stand upright without arms or legs.