Cincinnati teenagers credit mentors, alternatives for hopeful future

As cases of fatal violence against children rise in Cincinnati, a teen is determined to create another statistic for her legacy. Shalyla Elms is an aspiring junior at DePaul Christo Ray High School. She is only a few days away from being 16 years old. A milestone in the life of an American teenager, Elms looks forward to the opportunity to celebrate a New Year and all of its rewards. She also realizes that not every child in Cincinnati turns 16 or comes through with the scars and trauma that come through. violent crimes were caused. Elms said she entered the summer of 2021 with an appreciation for life. “Well, I’m actually pretty sad. I have a feeling that it could have been me,” said Elms. She said she lost a friend to gun violence. Elms said she’s focused on her future, which includes not just passing her semester exams, but also a look at the time she spends outside of school. She joined Saturday Hoops three years ago. The non-profit organization brings children into contact with basketball, handicrafts, swimming and reading free of charge thanks to weekly volunteers and mentors. “Saturday Hoops gives these kids the chance to become kids,” said SH volunteer Kent Wellington. Elms’ mentor is Alexia Zigoris. Just being a part of her life, “said Zigoris.” It was just amazing how the cross between helping someone in the better schools to find work, the meaningful work she does and growing personally is just amazing “Friends,” said Elms of Zigoris. “Now she’s my mentor and I love her so much.” It was through Saturday Hoops that Elms found her love for painting. Through the association with ArtWorks Cincinnati, Elms is now an ArtWorks apprentice and is currently working on a mural set due for completion in August. Elms credits her success in life to her faith, love for her friends, mentors, and opportunities like Saturday Hoops and ArtWorks. Elms is determined to start a new statistic for himself: Become the first person in her family to go to college. To learn more about both organizations, click the link above to get involved or volunteer.

CINCINNATI –

As cases of fatal violence involving children As a teenage girl ascends in Cincinnati, she is determined to create another statistic for her legacy.

Shalyla Elms is an aspiring junior at DePaul Christo Ray High School. She is only a few days away from being 16 years old. A milestone in the life of an American teenager, Elms looks forward to the opportunity to celebrate a New Year and all of the perks that come with it.

She also recognizes that not every child in Cincinnati turns 16 or comes with the scars and trauma caused by violent crime. Elms said she entered the summer of 2021 with an appreciation for life.

“Well, I’m actually pretty sad. I have the feeling that it could have been me, ”said Elms. She said she is lost a friend to gun violence.

Elms says she’s focused on her future, which includes not just passing her semester exams, but also looking at the time outside of school.

She joined three years ago Saturday tires. The non-profit organization connects children with basketball, handicrafts, swimming and reading free of charge thanks to weekly volunteers and mentors.

“Saturday Hoops gives these kids the chance to be kids,” said SH volunteer Kent Wellington.

Elms’ mentor is Alexia Zigoris.

“Just to be a part of her life,” said Zigoris. “It was just amazing how the cross between helping someone in the better schools to find work, the meaningful work she does and growing personally is just amazing.”

“We just became best friends,” said Elms of Zigoris. “Now she’s my mentor and I love her so much.”

Elms found her love for painting through Saturday Hoops. By connecting with ArtWorks Cincinnati, Elms is now an ArtWorks apprentice and is currently working on a mural set due for completion in August.

Elms credits her success in life to her faith, love for her friends, mentors, and opportunities like Saturday Hoops and ArtWorks. Elms is determined to come up with a new statistic: Be the first in her family to go to college.

To learn more about both organizations, click the link above to get involved or volunteer.