Orchestra Performance and Dinner Location: Louisville, KY Drop off time: 3:00pm at Exum Gymnasium Pick up time: 11:00pm Students will participate in a nice evening of dinner at Johnny Carinos as well as, attending the Louisville Orchestra, "A Tribute to Ray Charles." This is to highlight his contributions as an African-American to American society.

KSU History & Etiquette Training Seminar Location: Kentucky State University Ballroom, 4th floor Time: 10:00am – 12:00p.m. Students will learn about Kentucky State University history and be trained in proper etiquette for the professional world. Lunch will be served.

(Topics include: how to handle peer pressure, confidence, goal setting and self-worth) Location: Hathaway Hall Auditorium Time: 10:00am - 11:30am Guest speakers will come and speak with the young men and women of Upward Bound. It will be a workshop to help encourage and uplift students academically, socially and emotionally.

This event gives first generation/low-income TRIO students from Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort the opportunity to come together and engage with various colleges and career representatives with the hope of preparing for college and their future careers. Attire is business professional. Location: Student Center Ballroom, 4th Floor Time: 9:00am-2:00p.m.

with various colleges and career representatives with the hope of preparing for college and their future careers. Attire is business professional. Location: Student Center Ballroom, 4th Floor Time: 9:00am-2:00p.m.

Asbury College and University of Kentucky's Agriculture Department Visit Drop off/Pick up location: Exum gymnasium Drop off time: 8:00am

Students will tour Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. They will also learn of the University's various majors/minors, special programs, clubs and organizations and financial aid/scholarship opportunities. Following the tour at Asbury students will have the chance to go Fayette Mall. Lastly, students will be able to tour the University of Kentucky's Agriculture department where students will learn about the different aspects of Agriculture. Lunch will be provided.

Drop off/pick up location: Exum gymnasium Drop off time: 10:00am Pick up time: 12:00pm Upward Bound students will be giving back to the community by painting, planting, and cleaning up the Frankfort Capital for the Kentucky Derby. Please make sure students wear clothing that they do not mind getting dirty and closed toe shoes.

Tuesday, January 21st 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, January 23rd 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, January 28th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, January 30th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, February 4th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, February 6th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, February 11th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, February 13th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, February 18th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, February 20th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, February 25th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, February 27th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, March 4th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, March 6th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, March 11th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, March 13th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, March 18th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, March 20th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, March 25th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, March 27th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, April 8th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, April 10th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, April 15th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, April 17th 4:00pm-6:00pm Tuesday, April 22nd 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, April 24th 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday, April 29th 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, May 1st 4:00-6:00pm (tentatively)

Thursday, March 6th 4:30-5:30pm Thursday April 17th 4:30-5:30pm

Upward Bound End of Year Banquet Location: Kentucky State University's Student Center Ballroom, 4th floor Come join and support the end of the year banquet for the Upward Bound students. There will be recognition of all the graduating seniors as well as highlights from the academic year. Thursday, January 9th 4:30-6:00pm Thursday, January 23rd 4:30-6:00pm Thursday, February 13th 4:30-6:00pm Thursday, February 20th 4:30-6:00pm Thursday, March 20th 4:30-6:00pm Thursday, April 10th 4:30-6:00pm Wednesday, May 7th 4:30-6:00pm (tentatively)

by Angela Reynolds, MPA Administrative Assistant

Greetings! The Holiday Season has come and gone and the New Year is here. The Holiday Season is my favorite time of the year, specifically Christmas. It is the time of the year when I think about my family, friends, and loved ones. It is the time of the year when I finally get to wind down, relax, and watch countless episodes of my favorite Christmas shows. It is also the time of the year when I reflect on the events that have occurred throughout the year.

Webster dictionary defines determined as the following: to decide or settle authoritatively or conclusively. To limit in scope or extent: fix the limits of.

Determination must first come from a person who makes up their mind to go for something. Once their minds are made up, actions are taken to make it happen. So, what are you determined to do? Are you determined to get good grades? Are you determined to graduate from high school? Are you determined to go to college and receive your degree? These are goals that you can set for yourself. You have the right to set goals for yourself and reach them.

This has been a busy year for the Upward Bound students and staff. However, together we made it! I would like to specifically shout out two Upward Bound staff members, Ayana Martin and Angela Reynolds, for helping to make sure we, as a team, provide and offer services that will impact both students and parents.

As high school students, you may look at your circumstances and surroundings and feel like you cannot reach these goals. TRIO program such as Upward Bound and Student Support Services, believe you can do anything you set your mind to. But, it's up to you to receive the services being offered and take advantage of every opportunity that is given to you.

They have done an awesome job and I could not have made it as Interim Director without them by my side. I would like to thank each parent and student for being committed to Upward Bound. Commitment matters! However, be committed to your academic progress and remember the goal of going to college! Most of our Upward Bound students are first generation and/or low income. Many of you will be first in your family to attend college. This means you will blaze the trail to a better future by receiving more education and more income! Don't be mediocre, BE GREAT!

Remember that your environment and circumstances do not determine your outcome. It is you who make the choices. You don't have to look at your circumstances to determine if you can go to college. Just remember what to pack on your journey as you become a high school graduate. You will need faith, a good attitude, and determination to get you to your destination. Remember to stay focus and reach your goals. When you feel like you want to give up, push harder. Don't let your circumstances determine your future but use it to fuel the fire within. Push hard and keep moving forward.

Now that the New Year is here, I hope you had the time to reflect upon 2013 and think of some things you can change for the better going forth. Remember, the parents and staff of Upward Bound believe in you and will continue to invest in your future as you are TODAY'S INVESTMENT and TOMORROW'S GAIN!

Happy Holidays and remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!

Love, Ms. Tee T'Ebony Torain, Upward Bound Director