ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN OROURKETony Seaforth founded No Ceilings, a non-profit organization that provides academic advising, advocacy, tutoring, and support for middle and high school athletes.

By MARRIANNE SALZA

LYNN When Tony Seaforth attended Lynn Classical High School, his mother went to all of his football and basketball games, and track tournaments; but looking at his report card and holding him accountable for his actions were not always her priorities.

Aside from my coaches and teachers, I didnt have anyone to help me with college applications, said the lifelong Lynn resident. Everything that I had done to graduate from high school, I did by myself.

After receiving a football scholarship to Bentley University, and studying business management and marketing, Seaforth graduated in 2005. The desire to support student athletes from low-income communities, like himself, was always a passion of his.

The most important thing for me is to give kids a positive adult figure in their lives, said Seaforth, 35. Sometimes thats all the motivation they need to get over a hump, get on the honor roll, or want to go to school every day.

In 2011, Seaforth founded No Ceilings, a non-profit organization that provides academic advising, advocacy, tutoring, and support for middle and high school athletes. Since then, he has served some 500 students, helping athletes with building character, integrity, conflict resolution skills, etiquette, and self-confidence.

I embody the demographic that I serve. I was one of those kids who were at high-risk, high need, and came from a low-income household. Ive been in their shoes, Seaforth said. I want to understand what theyre going through and how I can help. Its important because without this, a lot of kids would slip through the cracks.

For a year, Seaforth worked for free to ensure the success of his program, working as a substitute teacher, offering therapeutic mentoring, learning how the school system works, and consulting guidance counselors and principals.

Seaforth, who monitors students grades, is proud of the lasting relationships he has made through No Ceilings, and seeing students reach their fullest potential.

Its a great resource for students because they have an advocate, said Seaforth, who understands the responsibilities of a student athlete. A lot of kids I serve dont have parental support academically. Im like the liaison between coach, player, teacher, and administration.

Seaforth empowers students by giving them the resources to help them achieve personal greatness and fulfill their post-graduate aspirations.

The goal of the program is to instill academic and life goals, so when they graduate, they have the opportunity to be employed or have an opportunity at a college, Seaforth said. I try to bring their academics up to where their level of motivation for sports is.

No Ceilings is not a traditional after school program, but more of an extension of the school day, promoting literacy to teenagers, and encouraging peer leadership. Through workshops and group mentoring, No Ceilings gives student athletes the tools to advocate for themselves and make the right decisions when faced with academic, family, or emotional issues.

Its a 360-degree program, Seaforth said. Theyre getting the after school support, but in school theyre getting held accountable as well. Ive seen a reduction in discipline infractions. Im very excited because they are great kids and deserve to be recognized.

Seaforth hopes to receive more funding in the future to expand his programs services, hire student athlete coordinators for each school, and offer leadership summits, empowerment workshops, college visits, and group mentoring sessions.

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Seaforth empowers students to achieve personal greatness - Daily Item