Last night we had 8 youth attend Hamilton County’s Celebration of Dreams graduation ceremony. We want to take this time to recognize their hard work in completing their High School education – especially since only 50% of foster children will graduate High School. We are very proud of the independent living kids but also our foster kids who graduated in the last month.
The event was held at 20th Century Theater in Cincinnati and four of staff members accompanied the kids to the event. It truly was a high class celebration, our staff did some fantastic networking and represented our CHOICES family well. Robert Bruce, our independent living manager, said overall the night was one of the best celebrations since starting in this field 18 years ago. We had a record number of kids graduate, our staff was all over the room networking with all the other county and private agencies also in attendance.
Everyone heard the inspiring story of country music artist, Jimmy Wayne, who captivated not only our kids but the whole room. Jimmy travels the country and helps bring awareness to kids aging out of foster care with little support. Jimmy was also a foster youth and shared his story and preformed a couple of his songs for the graduates.
Robert said that the kids were hanging on his every word, a country music artist from Nashville, Tennessee made a huge impact on 50 kids who grew up in the inner city of Cincinnati. It was just amazing, they shared something in common and Jimmy Wayne, a living, breathing, example as to the importance of mentors and a support team for kids in foster care. We see the importance of these connections on a weekly basis, our kids succeed because of your support and encouragement.
Congrats to our graduates of 2013, we hope with continued dedication you become the future leaders of our community. Check out the picture of the room last night, the kids really have something to be proud of, GREAT JOB!
