Cincinnati Nonprofit Reinforcing Values Of Over-the-Rhine Students

What do Cleophis Carsin, Mark Goodly, and Nawhiah Green have in common?

Well, for starters, they are all eighth graders at St. Francis Seraph, a Catholic Inner-City School in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine. They are also excelling in academics and in life amidst many every day challenges.

And they are the first three students selected to participate in a brand new Cincinnati nonprofit, Against the Grain Scholars, which is all about building up the foundations of Over-the-Rhine students with great potential.

Teacher Michael Patrick Farrell Jr. started the organization at the end of 2012 as a way of reinforcing the strong character values of students who are excelling in Over-the-Rhine schools.

“It is our belief that by providing mentoring and facilitating volunteer opportunities from eighth grade through high school that these exceptional students will continue on their path and recognize their full potential as the true leaders, heroes, and positive role models of their communities. Long-term, it is our hope that the ATG Scholars will “make it,” choose altruism over selfishness, and use their attributes to inspire a future generation to follow in their footsteps,” he stated on the organization’s website.

ATG Scholars meets two Saturdays per month. The first meeting of the month is a planning and reflection day. The second meeting of each month is our volunteer outing day.

Do you have some time to give? ATG is currently looking for volunteers and mentors. Please visit their website to learn more.