Cincinnati Bengals fullback, Chris Pressley, and his fiancee, Kristan, pose with scholars after dinner.

Cincinnati Bengals fullback, Chris Pressley, didn’t grow up in a Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) home, but he shared many similarities to the scholars he joined for dinner on Wednesday, May 9.

Pressley dined with six boys from BHGH Cincinnati and six staff members at one of the boys’ homes in Finneytown.

“I wish I had something like this,” said Pressley of the program. “This is changing lives.”

Growing up, the New Jersey native and his five brothers shared stints at local shelters. Pressley used football as his “focus” to help him earn a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and college, at the University of Wisconsin. Like many BHGH Cincinnati scholars, Pressley was the first in his family to attend and graduate college.

“This isn’t a sob story,” said Pressley. “Everything you go through will make you stronger.”

BHGH Cincinnati Residential Program Director, Katrina Allen, echoed this sentiment.

“Some of these kids are young, and they feel bad about their situation, but it’s about overcoming it,” said Allen. “It’s about the individual’s story – they are stories that I love because of their endurance. With the BHGH Cincinnati team, everything works out.”

Nine-year-old scholar, Krisshad, explained Pressley’s position for the table, as he had recent football lessons by Residential Counselor, Julius Carter.

“He protects the quarterback,” said Krisshad.

Cincinnati Bengals fullback, Chris Pressley, and his fiancee Kristan, join scholars for dinner.

Matt, an eighth grader, shared his experience trying out for football for the upcoming school year and was excited to meet a professional.

“It’s pretty cool to have a professional football player come to eat dinner with us,” said Matt. “It’s cool to see people who went so far in life.”

Deontae, a junior, mentioned his school’s mission trip this summer. St. Xavier High School will volunteer at New Jersey shelters, close to Pressley’s hometown.

After dinner, Pressley tossed a Nerf football with Krisshad and Matt in the front yard.

He hopes he can visit again, soon.

“This organization has touched my heart,” said Pressley. “I would love to find out how I can fill a void, here, or just hang out as one of the guys.”

Players warm up for BHGH Cincinnati's complimentary day of golf at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 2 at the Kenwood County Club.

Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) Cincinnati thanked previous sponsors with a complimentary day of golf on Wednesday, May 2 at the Kenwood Country Club on Kenwood Road.

Sixteen foursomes teed off at 1:15 p.m. on the Kenview Course for the five-hour event.

“Anytime you can get out of the office for a day of golf is great,” said Lance Parsons, who chairs the committee for the BHGH Cincinnati 27th Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament on August 6 at the Kenwood Country Club. “Plus you can intermingle with others who want to help this organization.”

First place winners celebrate on the green - Vogt, Woody, McConnell, Meiering.

Sponsors from previous Pro-Am Golf Tournaments and fundraisers, like BHGH Cincinnati’s annual Hearts for Hope gala in February, were invited to show appreciation for their past support.

Q10 Quest Commercial Capital employee, Ross McLain, enjoyed last year’s Pro-Am Golf Tournament so much, he came to the complimentary golf outing.

“The main golf outing is tremendous,” said McLain. “It’s fun to play with the pros and the dinner (at Eddie Merlot’s) is great, especially since you can meet the kids and hear their stories.”

Warsteiner provided beverages for the event. Nolan and SBC Global joined to make a foursome.

Rick Runyeon, of Coca-Cola, joined the day of golf for similar reasons.

“I wanted to support this wonderful program,” said Runyeon. “Our partner, Kroger, works closely with BHGH Cincinnati. It’s an important charity for both of us.”

Warsteiner – a German beer company – donated beverages for the event. First place golfers received Cincinnati Red’s box seats, including parking and food. Second place received gift bags of wine and restaurant and movie gift certificates. Gift certificates to the Kenwood County Club were awarded to those who hit closest to the pin on certain holes, and a Warsteiner golf bag was rewarded to the golfer who hit closest to the pin on hole 14.

Parsons, who has been on the Pro-Am Golf Tournament committee for six years, hopes the complimentary day of golf inspires players to come to the August event.

“The Pro-Am Golf Tournament is a long-standing tradition with BHGH Cincinnati and we hope to see folks there,” said Parsons.

 Winners:

First place: Vogt, Woody, McConnell, Meiering

Second place: Fenik, Joseph, Folke, Wyler

Closest to the pin: Turnwald, McConnell, Lake, Gale

Closest to the pin on hole 14: Feller

Thanks to the previous BHGH Cincinnati supporters who joined our complimentary day of golf:

• Advantage
• Coca-Cola
• Eddie Merlot’s
• FlipDaddy’s Burgers & Beers
• Game Day Communications
• Heidelberg Distributing Company
• Jeff Wyler Automotive
• John Nolan Auto Service
• Midland Retail
• PNC Bank
• Prasco
• Q10 Quest Commercial Capital
• Roche
• Rockwell Laser Industries (RLI)
• SBC Global Communications
• The Bank of Kentucky
• The Goddard School
• The Kroger Company
• United Health Care
• Watch-Us
• Warsteiner
• Wells Fargo
• West Capital Advisors LLC
• Western & Southern Financial Group

“I wasn’t even supposed to be in the draft,” said Scruggs. “Everything changed in the last month because I performed well at team visits.”

Greg Scruggs (middle) signs to the University of Louisville Cardinals during his senior year of high school.

Scruggs joined BHGH Cincinnati in summer 2003 at age 12. His mother heard about the residential program through his cousin, who had joined, earlier, and believed Scruggs would benefit from the safe environment and academic focus.

The St. Vivian School 7th grader was reluctant about his new surroundings, but slowly adapted.

“BHGH Cincinnati is probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Scruggs. “The bonds I formed with my brothers, who I lived with, was the best part. The years there went very fast.”

Katrina Allen, residential program director of BHGH Cincinnati, first heard of Scruggs’ interest in football during the summer before his senior year of high school.

“He said ‘Ms. Katrina, I think I’m going to play football this year,’” said Allen. “I told him that he should do whatever it is he wants to do.”

Greg Scruggs (third from the left) at the BHGH Cincinnati graduation party in 2008. Scruggs graduated from St. Xavier High School that June.

That’s the motto at BHGH Cincinnati that leads scholars to reach their full potential. Scruggs was a drummer in the marching band and a member of the varsity basketball team throughout his high school career.

Persistence from head football coach at St. Xavier High School, Steve Spect, his motive to have a full high school experience, and the possibility of college scholarships, forced Scruggs to reconsider.

By the end of his senior year, Scruggs signed with the University of Louisville with a four-year scholarship. In 2011, he graduated.

Scruggs will view the 2012 NFL Draft in Cincinnati with about 30 family members and close friends, including Allen.

“After the draft, I’ll be able to do a lot of things, financially, for my family that we’ve never seen,” said Scruggs, whose brother is a current scholar. “All the anxiety will be over. It’s a dream come true.”

Tune into ESPN and watch Greg Scruggs as he’s drafted into the NFL.

Round 1: 8 p.m. Thursday, ET

Rounds 2-3: 7 p.m. Friday, ET

Rounds 4-7: noon Saturday, ET

Residential Program scholar, Jabril, writes a letter, explaining why BHGH Cincinnati's office should recycle.

“BHGH’s National Day of Service is great way to work as a community,” said Academic Success Counselor at BHGH Cincinnati, Shauna Guglielmo. “Even though other affiliates’ projects were different from Cincinnati’s, it felt as if we were all doing something together.”

Guglielmo was among BHGH Cincinnati counselors who helped the Residential Program spearhead a recycling project for the organization’s office, located in Blue Ash. The office has not had a recycling option since the program moved to the location in 2008.

“All of our houses recycle, so why not our office?” asked Guglielmo.

Scholars gathered at residential homes on April 20 to write letters to the building manager of the BHGH Cincinnati’s office, explaining the need for a recycling option. These letters will also be uploaded to a photo essay contest, online, in hopes of winning scholarships for the scholars.

“Recycling is important to help our environment,” said Residential Program scholar, Jabril.

BHGH Cincinnati’s Community-Based Program (CBP) will write letters in May. Instead of joining the Residential Program, the CBP volunteered at Matthew: 25 Ministries in Blue Ash on April 21. Twelve CBP scholars and CBP Director, Beth Lauber, organized shoes to be distributed to the needy for this international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization.

Community-Based Program scholars organize shoes at Mathew: 25 Ministries in Blue Ash.

“We made a game out of it – to see who could match the most shoes,” said Lauber. “It was really fun and we’re going back again this summer.”

In conjunction with the recycling project, BHGH Cincinnati scholars will also help to clean Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 5 in Mariemont.

BHGH’s National Day of Service coincided with National Volunteer Week, on April 15 through 21, and Global Youth Service Day, on April 20 through 21. These initiatives demonstrate appreciation for volunteers and inspire community service, especially among youth in the latter.

As AmeriCorps volunteers, Guglielmo and the other Academic Success Counselor at BHGH Cincinnati, Caely Flynn, understand the need for community service.

“Having an obligation to give back to your community is essential to feel like you have a place in this world,” said Flynn. “ I was lucky enough to have served in AmeriCorps these last two years and it has forever changed the way I will approach work. I always see myself volunteering.”

 Learn more about community service:

Check out what service projects the 13 other national affiliates participated in on BHGH’s National Day of Service.

Learn more about Global Youth Service Day (April 20-21) and which states had the highest participants (Ohio ranked six of out 10 with 90 projects!)

Read up on AmeriCorps – a US federally funded program that engages volunteers in community service.

Check out BHGH Cincinnati’s blog about our other celebration for National Volunteer Week (April 15-21).

Residential Program Director, Katrina Allen, enjoys brunch with tutors Jim Howe, Cullen Breithaupt and Victoria Romero.

“I like having a mentor and tutor because it’s nice to find someone outside my comfort zone, who relates and understands me,” said BHGH Cincinnati scholar, Damian.

Staff and the 34 scholars celebrated the organization’s volunteers at the BHGH Cincinnati Volunteer Recognition Brunch at the girls’ home in Walnut Hills. BHGH Cincinnati provides a volunteer mentor and tutor for each scholar to help them achieve full potential.

National Volunteer Week is an American initiative, started in 1974, to  thank volunteers and inspire community service. This year it’s celebrated from April 15 to 21.

Three-year BHGH Cincinnati volunteer, Nick Shaver, tutors BHGH scholar, Sam, in math, science and Spanish. Shaver enjoys the consistency of tutoring the same student during each session, unlike other volunteer tutor programs.

“I like building a relationship with a student, who has great potential, and to watch him grow,” said Shaver.

Micheal Farrell, who assisted in BHGH Cincinnati’s 2011 summer program, has mentored BHGH Cincinnati scholar, Tim, for more than two years. Together, they attend sporting events – like Cincinnati’s United Indoor Football League (UIFL) and Cincinnati Reds games. Last February, they even visited Indianapolis to experience this year’s Super Bowl festivities.

“I like how BHGH Cincinnati holds their scholars to exceptionally high standards encourages them to become model citizens,” said Farrell.

BHGH of Cincinnati scholar, Chaun, thanks his tutor at the Volunteer Recognition Brunch.

Shaver agrees.

“BHGH Cincinnati is a great organization that makes a lasting and positive change in the lives of youth, who otherwise may not have the opportunity of a quality education,” said Shaver. “I wish there were more programs like this.”

French toast casserole, quiche, fruit, coffee, and tea were served throughout the three-hour event. Volunteers received gift bags at the brunch, which included a thank you card from their scholar.

Yet, at BHGH Cincinnati, thanking volunteers is a year-round event.

“Without volunteers, our mission to help our scholars reach full potential could not be realized,” said Executive Director, Sara Schindler. “We thank them for all their time and effort, during National Volunteer Week, and throughout the year.”

Learn more about National Volunteer Week:

President Barack Obama proclaims National Volunteer Week.

Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation of National Community Service, blogs that volunteers are America’s greatest asset.

Deontae holds the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Award, which he received from Berea College in Kentucky.

Yet, when he won an academic award from the first interracial college in the South in March 2012, it solidified his hopes for the future.

“This award says a lot about me and what people think of me,” said Deontae. “People recognize what I’m doing.”

Deontae was awarded the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Award from Berea College in Kentucky on Saturday, March 24. This plaque is awarded to African American high school juniors who exemplify high grades, engage in community service and demonstrate financial need.

Berea College is a Christian-based campus, located two hours south of Cincinnati.

John Ravenna, the enrichment program director at St. Xavier High School, nominated Deontae, who is a junior at the school, in February. His was one of 250 nominations received by Berea College and 170 recipients of the award. Nominations are gathered throughout the Appalachian region.

“This award is special because there isn’t a lot of academic recognition for high school juniors,” said Rebecca Parrish, the coordinator of campus visits and events at Berea College. “Usually, it’s the first time students start to think about college.”

Not for Deontae. He has considered applying to Ivy League colleges and Miami University of Ohio, since last year. This varsity basketball starter plans to major in accounting or marketing because he feels, “he’d be good at that.”

That’s just one of his natural gifts, according to the BHGH Cincinnati Residential Program Director, Katrina Allen.

“Deontae just gets it,” said Allen. “He’s a humble, gifted young man with a drive to succeed.”

Dr. Carter G. Woodson was a 1903 graduate of Berea College and is known as the founder of black history, as he spearheaded Black History Month.

“Dr. Carter G. Woodson is an inspiration to the African American community and this award is paramount in illustrating Deontae’s triumph over racial and economic adversity,” said Allen.

The three high school seniors at Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) Cincinnati continued the organization’s academic excellence by finalizing their college plans this month. Sam will study at Wright State University and Brandon and Shay at the University of Dayton. Sam will major in engineering, Brandon in physical therapy and Shay in criminal justice.

BHGH Cincinnati has sent 100 percent of high school graduates to post-secondary institutions since 1991. Review this map to see which colleges and universities BHGH Cincinnati scholars currently attend.

BHGH Cincinnati congratulates our seniors and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors!