Mark Higgs and Vince Buck, two former Owensboro High School standouts who went on to NFL careers, are scheduled to come home later this month for a free community event aimed at motivating local youth to chase their goals on and off the field.
The program will be held at 10:30 a.m. on December 27 in the Owensboro High School gym. Organizers said the event will include door prizes, motivational talks from both players, and a Q&A session.
The visit is organized by Breaking the Cycle, a youth-focused mentoring program founded by Owensboro native Brionna Greer. Though Greer now lives in Louisiana, she said her heart and mission remain firmly rooted in her hometown.
“This event is for the youth,” Greer said. “While it’s open to all ages, our primary focus is on inspiring young people. My goal is to have Higgs and Buck return to Owensboro to uplift and motivate the next generation—so the kids can see that if they achieved success, they can too.”
Greer emphasized that she intentionally sought out Buck and Higgs because of their Owensboro roots and the example they provide.
“When planning this event, I knew I wanted to feature someone from home,” she said. “Our mission at Breaking the Cycle is to uplift. These two are perfect role models because the kids can see that they were born and raised in Owensboro and made it to the NFL. Simply seeing their success can inspire young people to dream bigger.”
Greer founded Breaking the Cycle in 2019 as a mentorship initiative for at-risk youth. The organization focuses on helping students prepare for life after high school, whether that means college or entering the workforce.
“We just want to make sure that when the kids leave high school, they have a plan,” she said. “That plan could be college, or it could be the workforce. We make sure the kids don’t go into the system.”
Breaking the Cycle meets monthly at the Dugan Best Recreation Center. Since its founding, the organization has expanded into community events, tutoring programs, back-to-school bashes, and holiday support initiatives. While Greer coordinates from Louisiana, her board, mentors, and local committee handle day-to-day operations in Owensboro.
She hopes the December event will leave young people feeling motivated — and more importantly, capable.
Greer expressed thanks for the events sponsors: Owensboro Public Schools, Vanguard Utility Services, Owensboro Foundation for Excellence, Leola Faye Photography, Jamaican Yard Vibes, and Sol OBKY.
For sponsorship opportunities or to contribute to the event, contact Breaking the Cycle via Facebook or call 225-571-8915.
