The YMCA’s Kirbo Scholars program kicked off its year Saturday morning with a day of fun basketball games for dozens of youth at the local YMCA branch.

A Kirbo Scholar is a 6-to-17-year-old YMCA basketball player who is an honor roll student, and their academic success also allows them to get a scholarship for the Y. Those scholars get a $15 discount on YMCA basketball league registration fees, which are normally $35 for members and $50 for non-members. They also receive a game jersey and a team photo.

The program is named for Cass Kirbo and her husband, Bruce, who have been supporters of the YMCA for years. Cass was a longtime volunteer basketball coach and YMCA tennis center is named for her. It was truly outstanding to see the Kirbos at the YMCA on Saturday to encourage the kids to keep their grades up and to take advantage of the exercise opportunity at the YMCA.

The YMCA’s basketball program could not be a success without the help of its volunteer basketball coaches, and we encourage anyone to participate if they have the time and passion for it. Call YMCA youth sports director Jimmy Holton to get started today, and remember — when you’re a coach you’re more than just a teacher, you’re also a mentor and a friend.