To help the start of online schooling in Cleveland Ohio, Saving Our Daughters teamed up with the Students of Promise Program (SOP), and actress Lyric Ross, for a virtual back to school rally for high school scholars called Students of Promise “Virtual” Back-to-School Rally!
During the two hour event, the young actress who plays the character “Deja” in the award-winning hit series, This is Us, took time to weigh in on concerns of the students from the effects of the pandemic on their education, and empower youth to remain active in their education. Ross’ involvement in the event was a part of her service as a mentor as she stands as a “Celebrity Godparent” for the Saving Our Daughters organization. She inspired all the participants during the rally to never give up, along with her personal experience as a person of color, relating to many of the students within the school districts of the Greater Cleveland area. The “Virtual” Back-to-School Rally involved scholars from Cleveland Municipal School District, Maple, Cleveland Heights, Garfield, Bedford, Warrensville, East Tech and Glenville High Schools.
Program Director Bob Ivory, of The Students of Promise Program, remarked on the importance of the virtual Back-to-School Rally, stating:
“We acknowledge how difficult and challenging it must be for our scholars during these unprecedented times of Covid-19 as it relates to their high school experience. However, we hope this virtual rally will encourage and uplift our scholars as we reaffirm to them their learning potential and to continue to work hard, aim high and put forth their best effort this upcoming school year.”
The talented actress, Lyrics Ross, is no stranger to inspiring students of Cleveland. In 2019, Lyric partnered with Saving Our Daughters organization for an Inaugural “Girl Power Luncheon” with Cleveland’s own MYCOM, where representatives from eight Cleveland neighborhood schools and Foster care programs were in attendance. Ross was nominated for Choice TV Breakout Star at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards and nominated for a 2019 NAACP Image Award for an Outstanding Performance by a Youth, and continues to make an impact on the lives of students during such a challenging time.