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
CPS, UC partner to bring the 3rd annual All-Star Showcase to Fifth Third Arena
April 1, 2024
The University of Cincinnati partners with Cincinnati Public Schools to host the 3rd annual CPS All-Star Showcase at Fifth Third Arena on March 31, 2024. The daylong event attracted media coverage from Fox 19, WLWT, WCPO and Spectrum News.
WLWT Let's Talk Cincy: Celebrating Greater Cincinnati’s Black history
February 6, 2024
Cincinnati's WLWT-TV highlights the legacy of UC alumna Marian Spencer.
Growth at UC brings largest first-year class ever
September 23, 2022
The University of Cincinnati recorded its largest enrollment ever this week as the official head count landed at 47,914 students for the fall semester. The figure represents nearly a 2.6% increase over last year’s enrollment or an additional 1,204 students.