The Collinwood Library Welcomes Graduate Of Collinwood High School, NFL Wide Receiver, Cecil Shorts lll, Back To The Neighborhood To Engage With Youth

On the heels of the victory parade by the Cavaliers, Collinwood graduate, Cecil Carlon Shorts III (who is now an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League) visited the Collinwood Branch of Cleveland Public Library on Thursday, June 23rd.  He was accompanied by his lovely wife, Chanel and their three beautiful children. This program was made possible by the United Way of Cleveland and Cleveland Public Library’s Office of Programming Services.   Mr. Shorts shared his life story and professional journey to an audience of 50 + youths from the Collinwood area through collaboration with the Salvation Army, Collinwood Rec Center,  5 Points Community Services Center, Collinwood High School, Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and regular youth visiting the Collinwood Branch participating in the Summer Reading Club.

The theme focused on sharing with youth the value of giving back to the community, staying in school, working hard to achieve good grades, setting goals and having a backup plan if sports or other career options do not pan out.  Kids were delighted with his presentation and had many questions to ask of which, he was able to answer with a lot of candor and additional information.  These sentiments were echoed by the comments from Collinwood Alum and Councilman, Michael Polensek.  Councilman Jeffrey Johnson is also alum.

In addition, each child will receive a free copy of the book “Crossover” by Kwame Alexander autographed by Mr. Shorts. This will be accomplished via a Book Gift Card that they received to be redeemed at a later date at the Collinwood Library.  Light refreshments and a tour of the branch and conversation about future engagement activities concluded the program.

Caroline Peak

I am the Manager of the Cleveland Public Library Collinwood Branch a long time resident of Collinwood, a Board of Trustee Member of Northeast Shores Develoment Corp, Neighborhood Catholic Ministries, an Advisory Group Member of the Collinwood Recreation Center and active in many other community organizations and activities.

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Volume 8, Issue 7, Posted 12:36 PM, 07.10.2016