Award Winning Students

May 2008
Three students from Communities In Schools of Arizona partner schools were honored at the 2008 Imagine Luncheon on May 29th. They were recognized for overcoming obstacles in their lives and showing academic imporvement over the last year. The students were nomitated by a teacher or administrator at their school and received a trophy and a savings bond to start saving for their college education.

Jacqueline Diaz is a kindergartner from Excelencia Elemantary School. Jacqueline was having some trouble in the classroom and was referred to the CISA Site Resource Coordinator, Doris, to help out. Doris helped the family obtain the resources needed to prepare Jacqueline for learning. Since working with CISA, she has improved her academic performance and is beginning to read. She can now read and write numbers up to 50!

Megan Hens is a sixth grader at the Arizona Cardinals Preparatory Academy. Math has been one of her toughest subjects, but with the help of her teacher, Mrs. Arnone, she is now very successful in math and is no longer struggling. She also improved in other areas and received an Honor Roll Award. Megan has also become involved in the Cardinals Cheer Team at her school. She participated in the Cover to Cover reading program and went on the reward trip to the Arizona Diamondbacks game. With the help of CISA Academy Manager, Ms. Thomas, and Cardinals Academy staff, Megan's family has been able to help Megan improve her attendance and her academics all year.

Pedro Orozco is a recent graduate of Metrocenter Academy. Pedro came to the academy in need of a different learning environment. What he found there was the support of the teachers and the CISA Academy Resource Coordinator, Mr. Hopkins. With Mr. Hopkins guidance, Pedro participated in the Arizona High School Teen Town Hall and in the Valley Teen Leadership program. Pedro graduated on May 21st and was the recipient of a $2,000 Honeywell Scholarship. He will be attending ASU and would like to go on to earn a law degree.

Congratulations to these student award winners!