Columbus, OH (May 9, 2019)—The Columbus Youth Foundation (CYF) recognized 94 Columbus City Schools (CCS) students through the Best All-Around Student Awards, held at Huntington Park, before the game between the Columbus Clippers and the Charlotte Knights on May 8. The event celebrated students’ outstanding citizenship and achievements during the 2018-2019 school year. Performing before the on-field ceremony and playing the national anthem was the Marion-Franklin High School Marching Band.
The Best All-Around Student Award recipients were recognized on the field prior to the start of the Clippers game.
The CYF Trustees welcomed Dom Tiberi as the special guest speaker for the recognition ceremony. Tiberi is known across central Ohio for his two public roles: his work with WBNS-10TV, and his advocacy for safe driving through the public service campaign “Maria’s Message.” The weekday sports anchor of 10TV News HD and the co-host of the weekend show Wall-to-Wall Sports, Tiberi also has a strong commitment to high school athletics, from his duties with First and 10 to covering local athletes. He continues to connect with area teens through “Maria’s Message,” launched after the tragic death of his daughter. By educating young drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, Tiberi’s mission is to encourage a generation of safe, defensive drivers
The Best All-Around Student Awards recipients, two students representing each middle and high school in the CCS district, were selected based on a variety of criteria, such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership qualities. Each student was recognized individually on the field. The receiving line included: the CYF Board of Trustees and special guest Dom Tiberi; Alesia Gillison, Chief Academic Officer of CCS; and members of CCS Board of Education.
CYF has a long history of helping central Ohio youth. Established as a Supporting Foundation of The Columbus Foundation in 1976, CYF has awarded more than $4 million in grants to help young people attend summer camp, participate in recreational activities, and enjoy cultural enrichment activities. Among current grant recipients are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, Femergy, Gladden Community House, Our Helpers, and Camp Wyandot.
CYF's links to sports and to the disadvantaged youth of urban Columbus began upon its creation as a private foundation in 1955. A group of distinguished local businessmen created the Foundation that year to hold title both to the Columbus Jets, a professional minor-league baseball team, and the team’s Franklinton stadium. Because CYF returned all profits to the community through grants to organizations that served the sick, underprivileged, and disabled youth of Columbus, it ensured strong local support for the team.
After the Columbus Jets dissolved and their stadium was sold, CYF’s Trustees decided that instead of closing the Foundation, its service to the youth of Franklinton and urban Columbus should continue as long as possible. The Trustees chose to join The Columbus Foundation in 1976 as the first Supporting Foundation. This relationship maintained CYF’s independence, while the Trustees were able to access the services and experienced staff of The Columbus Foundation.
Today, CYF continues to make a difference in the lives of youth from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Columbus by providing healthy, positive opportunities to learn life lessons through recreation and sports.
Members of the 2019 CYF Board of Trustees are Cathy M. Lyttle, chair; Archie M. Griffin, vice chair; John P. Kadlic; John Lowe; and Catherine T. Willis.
The Columbus Youth Foundation welcomes contributions from donors interested in supporting healthy, positive opportunities for fun through youth recreational activities. Learn more or make a contribution.