AJ took time during his academics and busy season to discuss his journey through the program.
I met my coaches and mentors the Summer of 2016. I heard they had a basketball team and I wanted to see about playing for them. When I met them the first thing they asked about was my grades. They told me that it is grades first and basketball second. Then they asked me about what my goals were. I wanted to be the first one in my family to be a first-generation student-athlete. Also, I wanted to make the honor roll throughout high school. With the help of my mentors I succeeded in completing these goals. Also, they helped with the FAFSA, ACT, and entire college admissions process. They helped me with my basketball recruitment process too. I believe in the mentorship this program provides because it is based off of paying it forward for another person. Which in the end means people helping people reach their goals and ultimately making the community a better place.
AJ progressing as a student-athlete
On April 4, 2021 the RCTC Yellowjackets won the Region 13 Championship.
Christiann's Story
Mr. Ikenna and Mr. Faraji has been in my life for over 8 years. I met them when I was just in the 8th grade with no idea that they would have such a huge impact on my life. They were my mentors that I now look at as family. When meeting with them they always reminded me of how school would be my “way out” and made sure they did everything that they possibly could to ensure that I followed the dreams that I spoke with them about. I dreamed of being a college graduate since I was a little girl because it was not something that I saw often from where I came from. When preparing for my journey, they helped me prep for the ACT, guided me with the financial aid process, and took me on several college tours. I cannot thank them enough and they have left their mark in my life.
More of Christiann's story coming soon!
Christiann's Story
Additional Information
I am a recent graduate of the illustrious Tennessee State University and I have had the pleasure of receiving several opportunities and have reached many goals at this institution. Throughout my years at my beloved University, it was an honor to be granted membership to be apart of two organizations! LYLAS (love you like a sister) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Although these were some of the most challenging years of my life, with hard work I was still able to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a 3.7 GPA! I was able to secure a job prior to my graduation date May 1, 2021 at Fifth Third Headquarters in Commercial Banking in Cincinnati, OH, utilizing my accounting degree.
Student ATHLETE PROGRAM UPDATES
Bulldog Prep Goes 1-1 over the weekend
The Paid Forward NFP student-athlete program took a cultural trip to Kentucky. The young adults visited the Muhammad Ali museum and was able see the University of Louisville. Also, the group participated in two games at Lynn Camp High School in Corbin, Kentucky. Bulldog Prep took on Vision CBC. Bulldog Prep started off slow but went on a run at the end of the first half to take a 39-29 lead into halftime. Bulldog Prep continued playing the same as they closed out the first half and went on to win a good defensive game against Vision CBC 81-62. Bulldog Prep scorers were: Lonnie Bland 27 points, Corrington Jones 17 points, Vontrez Cotton 10 points, Antonio Thomas 9 points, Ronnie Polk 8 points, Thomas Jones 7 points, and Deandre White 2.
Game 2, Bulldog Prep came out slow on defense and played a sloppy first half. However, Bulldog Prep turned up their energy at the end of the first to close Vision CBC double-digit lead into a three point deficit at halftime. The second half saw Bulldog Prep starting out slow and allowing Vision CBC to build another double-digit lead. Bulldog Prep once again tapped into their energy and closed the game within three points but it was too late in the game to make a comeback and Vision CBC won 83-78. Bulldog Prep scorers were: Corrington Jones 28 points, Lonnie Bland 26 points, Thomas Jones 6 points, Vontrez Cotton 6 points, Carnell Brown 4 points, Antonio Thomas 2 points, and Ronnie Polk 2 points.