Celebrating Big Dreams at the BGCGC Inaugural Signing Day 2026

On May 7, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati community gathered at the Western & Southern Workforce Development Center in Price Hill for our first Signing Day celebration.

Graduating seniors from Clubs across Greater Cincinnati took the stage to publicly announce their plans after high school, surrounded by family members, mentors, staff and peers who have supported them along the way. Much like an athlete signing with a college team, each student had the opportunity to share the next chapter of their journey, whether that included college, military service, trade school or entering the workforce.

The evening was a celebration of growth, perseverance and the countless hours these young people have spent building toward their futures.

Celebrating Achievement and Opportunity

Signing Day highlighted the incredible range of goals and ambitions represented across BGCGC Clubs.

Several seniors announced plans to pursue higher education in fields ranging from psychology and nursing to engineering and education. Others committed to careers in the trades, military service or workforce training programs. For many students, the event also represented a major family milestone, with several graduates becoming first-generation college students.

Among the evening’s highlights were the scholarship announcements. Through BGCGC support and Youth of the Year scholarships, the organization distributed a total of $54,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors this year.

Hon'essty James, a Club member since 2016 and this year’s BGCGC Youth of the Year, received $20,000 from BGCGC along with an additional $2,000 scholarship from her third-place finish in the State of Ohio’s Youth of the Year competition. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to study psychology with a minor in theatre.

Adriana Jackson also received a $20,000 scholarship from BGCGC for being named last year’s Youth of the Year, and plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to pursue nursing. Adriana has been part of the Club community since 2008.

Other students celebrated scholarships and academic opportunities of their own. Braylon Griffin announced plans to attend Gateway Community and Technical College to study nursing after receiving a $10,000 scholarship. Aster Gilmore received a $1,500 scholarship for participating in Youth of the Year and will attend Indiana University to study elementary education.

Lily Workman will attend Northern Kentucky University with plans to become a writer. Dreson McLaurin will also attend NKU as an engineering student with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer.

Many Paths, One Purpose

Signing Day also showcased the many different forms success can take.

Jaevion Robertson was awarded $1,500 for participating in Youth of the Year and announced plans to enlist in the United States Navy, while Malachi Seymoure will pursue trade school through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Others are entering the workforce directly, pursuing certifications or continuing specialized work programs while building toward long-term career goals. Anela Cooley won at $1,500 scholarship for participating in Youth of the Year and has obtained a position with Nisbet Brower. Nathan Pollitt has found employment as a security guard and hopes to work toward becoming a police officer. Charlie Head and Nolan Griffith are continuing the work programs at their high schools.

Whether heading to college classrooms, military service, job sites or workplaces across the region, each student demonstrated the confidence and preparation that BGCGC strives to instill in every Club member.

A Full Circle Moment

Beyond providing seniors the opportunity to announce their plans, Signing Day was also a chance to reflect on the journey that brought them there.

Some of the graduates have been part of the Clubs for nearly their entire childhood, growing up alongside the staff, mentors and peers who helped shape them along the way. For many, BGCGC has been a constant source of support during some of the most important years of their lives. Others have been with us for only a few short years. But regardless of when or how they came through our doors, our commitment to preparing them for what comes next has remained the same. Through after-school programs, workforce development opportunities, leadership initiatives, tutoring and mentorship, we have watched these seniors grow into confident, capable young adults ready for their next chapter.

As each senior stepped forward to share their plans, the room was filled with applause, encouragement and pride for what these young people have already accomplished, and also for what lies ahead for them.

Looking Ahead

Signing Day represents one of the clearest examples of our mission to help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

This year’s graduating seniors leave behind a powerful example for the younger Club members watching them take the stage. Their stories are reminders that success can take many forms, and that with support, guidance and determination, bright futures are possible.

Congratulations to the BGCGC Class of 2026. Your Club family is proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what comes next!