Scholarships Awarded and Four-Time Olympian Presents Keynote

ALLENTOWN, PA— Four-time Olympian “Joetta” will be the keynote speaker at the annual Communities In Schools Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS) “Ready, Set, Graduate!” celebration. Presented annually by Olympus, this event lauds graduating seniors from eight high schools in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks counties.  This will be the first time the event will be held in-person since prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nearly 100 high school seniors from William Allen, Dieruff, Liberty, Freedom, Easton, Emmaus, Wilson (Berks County), and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute will toss their caps and celebrate with one another. The ceremony and celebratory breakfast will take place on Tuesday, May 24 at 9:30 am in the ballroom of the new Hyatt House Lehigh Valley, 621 Grange Rd. Allentown, PA.

CIS specializes in addressing the non-academic barriers that prevents students from being successful in school.  CIS serves 40 schools in 10 school districts in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County.  Site professionals in these schools work one-on-one with students on their attendance, academic and social emotional needs.

CIS will award four scholarships as a part of the event.  The Joan Benner-Fuller Scholarship, for $1,500, is given annually to one graduating senior in remembrance of former CIS board member Joan Benner-Fuller.  A new scholarship, the Chandler-Barnes Scholarship, will be awarded to three graduating seniors in the amount of $1,500.

“It’s so special to be back in person this year,” said CIS president Tim Mulligan.  “Our staff have been creative in celebrating their seniors over the past two years, but now we’re excited to welcome all of our students back to celebrate with each other.”

A highlight of the event will be the keynote presentation given by four-time USA Track & Field medalist, Joetta Clark-Diggs.  Joetta is a dynamic and inspiring speaker whose stories of empowerment resonate with audiences all over the world.  She will provide the graduates insight for becoming “The Champion of Your Life” by setting goals, aiming high, achieving, and actively making an impact on the world.

Follow the event on social media: @CISEasternPA #AllInForKids

About Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 1.6 million students in 25 states and the District of Columbia. With caring adults serving over 37,000 students in 40 schools throughout Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks counties. The CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We ensure students, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to succeed in school and beyond.

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Tina Hasselbusch
http://www.socialTmarketing.com/

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