We know we're going to make it in life: 2015 Graduation and Awards Celebration

"If it wasn't for you guys, we wouldn't be where we're at. We'd just be kids on the street... but no, we get the chance to sit here tonight and be part of something good because we know we're going to make it in life. ... Because of what our CIS Graduation Coaches do for us," Austin Rabah, graduating senior and CIS student at the Durham Performance Learning Center.

Here at Communities In Schools of Durham, we consider our greatest success to be the success of our students. That's why this year we chose to celebrate all of their accomplishments and growth in our inaugural Graduation and Awards Celebration. On May 28, 2015, CIS students gathered alongside CIS Coaches and staff, Durham Public Schools officials, and our many supporters to close out another exceptional school year.

We were so thrilled to be able to honor students across our 9 schools who embody the best of CIS values: working through the daily grind to be present for learning and opportunity, showing heart and soul through positive behavior, being an active learner, and always choosing success. We also celebrated the upcoming graduation of 71 CIS seniors, the game-changing Class of 2015. Though they may be ending their journey with Communities In Schools of Durham, they are all moving forward on a path of achievement.

Last, but certainly not least, we were thrilled to honor the many donors, stakeholders, and volunteers that make our work possible, especially our event sponsor and corporate partner, Square 1 Bank. It's because of you that our Graduation and Success Coaches can touch the lives of Durham students in the way that they do. It's because of you we have so much to celebrate--and we can't wait to do it again, bigger and better, next year!