On February 21, ODA families filled the seats at Rocket Arena for an unforgettable Cavs Family Night Out. From the moment they arrived, scholars and their families felt the energy – the buzz of the crowd, the pulse of the music, and the aroma of stadium food set the stage for an electric night. The excitement only grew as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a commanding 115-92 victory over the New York Knicks.
The evening kicked off with a special moment as ODA scholars and staff were honored on the court during a pregame ceremony. Standing under the bright arena lights, with their faces displayed on the jumbotron, the pride and excitement were undeniable. One lucky scholar even got to meet Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, his face lighting up in disbelief as Mitchell paused for a photo. A moment he—and everyone watching—will never forget.
For Tekia Lawson, mother of sixth-grade ODA scholar Ki'Yanni McCall from Breakthrough Glenville, the night was all about family. “This is such a fun night for us,” Tekia said. “Seeing Ki'Yanni’s face light up, being here with her friends, and cheering for the Cavs together makes it really special. It’s something we’ll be talking about for a long time.”
Throughout the game, families enjoyed their favorite stadium snacks and cheered as the Cavs took control on the court. The excitement continued at halftime when a group of ODA scholars participated in the Cavs Cheer Tunnel experience, lining up on the court to high-five their heroes—including Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley—as the team returned to play.
Up in the stands, Ki'Yanni was fully immersed in the experience, taking it all in with her mom and fellow scholars. “I’m having so much fun,” she said. “It’s awesome to be here with my mom and my friends. The Cavs are playing amazing. This is just really cool.”
ODA’s Family Engagement team designs these events with purpose, knowing the impact shared experiences have on a child’s growth and development. Family Advocate Britiny Lee, who helped coordinate Cavs Family Night Out, sees firsthand how these moments strengthen family bonds. “We know kids do best when their families feel connected and supported,” Britiny explained. “Nights like this give families a chance to step away from daily routines, be present with each other, and make memories that last.”
At ODA, we believe in the power of family connections. Experiences like Cavs Family Night Out create lasting memories, strengthen our community, and give scholars opportunities to explore the world around them.
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This article is a part of the March 2025 PINC Newsletter. To read more articles from this newsletter, click here or the button below.
