Strong Start • Awards Banquet

First Annual Strong Start Awards Banquet — 2027

A red-carpet celebration honoring outstanding Strong Start program participants. Finalists in each category will be invited with guest passes for parents and siblings. Expect a celebrity keynote, professional photography, interviews, and a night that feels like the pros.

Event Highlights

Designed to inspire student athletes and families while recognizing excellence on and off the field.

Red Carpet

Arrival on a red carpet with step-and-repeat, media wall, and a professional photographer capturing the night.

Keynote Speaker

A featured guest (pro athlete, former pro, motivational speaker, or community leader) sharing a message of resilience and purpose.

Scholarships

We will award partial up to full scholarships for tuition, books, and related costs to select participants—pending fundraising success.

Event Details

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Date: 2027 (Exact date TBA)
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Location: TBA — Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area
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Format: Seated dinner, awards program, keynote, photo ops & interviews
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Guests: Top four finalists per category + guest passes for parents/guardians and siblings
Scholarship Note: Scholarship amounts and the number of recipients are tied to donor and sponsor commitments. As our fundraising grows, so will our impact. Thank you for helping us make this night unforgettable.

Award Categories

Finalists reflect the values and growth Strong Start champions across athletics, academics, and character.

Student-Athlete of the Year
Excellence in sport, academics, leadership.
Academic Excellence
Outstanding classroom performance and effort.
Leadership & Character
Role-model behavior on teams and in the community.
Comeback Award
Overcoming adversity with grit and resilience.
Community Impact
Service and volunteerism that lifts others.
Mentorship Champion
Peer mentor who supports and elevates teammates.
Coach’s Honor
Coach-nominated athlete who embodies team values.
Team of the Year
Collective achievement, culture, and sportsmanship.
Strong Start Spirit
Represents our mission: Inspire. Support. Impact.

Nomination & Selection

Eligibility
  • Current Strong Start program participant (or cohort graduate in 2027).
  • Meets team/school eligibility requirements.
  • Exemplifies Strong Start values: Respect, Responsibility, Transparency, Youth Power, Community.
How Finalists Are Chosen
Nominations open — coaches, counselors, mentors, and staff may nominate.
Review — panel evaluates athletic progress, academics, character, and community impact.
Finalists notified — top 4 per category receive event invitations and guest passes.

Evening Schedule (Tentative)

TimeProgram
5:00 PMRed Carpet, Check-In, & Photos
5:45 PMWelcome & Dinner Service
6:30 PMKeynote Speaker
7:00 PMAwards Presentations
8:15 PMScholarship Announcements
8:45 PMInterviews & Closing Photos

Times subject to change. Final schedule will be emailed to invitees.

Attend, Sponsor, or Support

Finalists & Families
Sponsors & Donors

Questions? Contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should guests wear?

Dressy or semi-formal attire. Think “banquet night” with photo ops.

Are tickets required?

Finalists receive complimentary tickets with guest passes. Additional seating may be limited; please request early.

Accessibility

We are committed to an inclusive event experience. Let us know any accessibility needs in advance so we can support you.

Photo/Media Consent

A photographer and videographer will capture the evening. Consent forms will be provided during RSVP.

Contact the Banquet Team

Have a question about nominations, sponsorships, or attendance?

Email
awards@thetruenorthhq.com

Mailing
Strong Start • Awards Banquet Team
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