In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, and with a focus on local youth and their families, the Ohio Valley community is invited to support “A Night of Hope” on Thursday, May 7 at St. Clairsville High School.

Bob Holmes has played more than 20,000 games of One-Man Volleyball against professional and student athletes. His record stands at more than 20,000 wins against 470 losses. He has beaten professional athletes such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Orioles and has been recognized twice by Ripley’s Believe It or Not for having played more games than any athlete in history.

Bob Holmes will hold student assemblies in Ohio Valley schools during the week of May 4-8, where he will play 1-Man Volleyball against teams of student athletes, and then deliver encouraging messages that address key mental health issues related to: depression, anxiety, teenage suicidal tendencies, bullying, cyber-safety, human trafficking issues, and making positive life choices against the dangers of vaping, drugs, and alcohol.

Dr. Scott Pauley is the founder of “Enjoying the Journey”, an organization focused on fostering daily personal growth through inspirational insights based upon faith and hope. He is a prolific author and host of a widely followed 10-minute daily podcast. Dr. Pauley resides in southern West Virginia with his family and is dedicated to helping people find purpose and meaning in life. More information can be found on the “Enjoying the Journey” website at enjoyingthejourney.org.

The highlight of the week will be “A Night of Hope” community event on Thursday evening, May 7th at the St. Clairsville High School auditorium. Holmes will play volleyball against a local team of student athletes from Belmont County. Donations will be taken at the door, and proceeds will be given to the School District’s Student Mental Health Fund. After the volleyball game, Holmes and . Pauley will deliver encouraging

messages of hope to the community.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. for free refreshments, and the program begins at 6 p.m. Pauley will also deliver the keynote message at the Belmont County Courthouse National Day of Prayer ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at 11:45 a.m.

Pauley is excited about coming to the Ohio Valley to be a part of helping bring hope to the community.

“We are living in a world that is desperately looking for hope,” he said, “and I would like to give you a personal invitation to attend ‘A Night of Hope’ in Belmont County. It is going to be a very special community event.”

“We held several student assemblies in Ohio Valley schools in October of 2024, and I am excited to return,” Holmes said. “I really look forward to the upcoming student assemblies and bringing positive messages of encouragement and hope to the Ohio Valley community.”