Students recognized for their achievements at the Power Within event in Las Vegas.
On April 28, 2025, the Power Within event by Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada celebrated the achievements of exceptional students and dedicated mentors in Las Vegas. Three outstanding students received recognition for their resilience, along with financial contributions to support their academic journeys. Additionally, Rocio Ledesma was awarded the Martin Serrano ‘Unsung Hero of the Year.’ This event showcased community collaboration, highlighting the commitment to uplifting Nevada’s youth and the essential services provided by Communities In Schools, which serves over 100,000 students.
In a vibrant ceremony filled with excitement and inspiration, Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada held its annual Power Within event on April 28, 2025, right in the heart of Las Vegas. The occasion was a testament to the remarkable achievements of students and the incredible support they receive from their dedicated mentors.
This year, three outstanding students were recognized for their impressive growth and resilience. The honorees included Elijah Hines from Lois Craig Elementary School, Khloe McIver from Brinley Middle School, and Tony Valladares from Eldorado High School. Each of these young individuals showcased their hard work and tenacity, proving that with the right support, anything is possible. Their perseverance truly stood out, earning them not only recognition but also financial rewards to boost their educational journeys.
As part of the festivities, each honoree was gifted a $1,000 contribution aimed at enhancing their future academic pursuits. For the high school seniors like Tony, this meant direct scholarships that can make all the difference as they navigate post-graduation plans. On the other hand, younger students like Elijah and Khloe received 529 college savings plans, allowing them to put money away for their future education, which is a crucial step in realizing their dreams.
The event wasn’t just about student achievements; it also highlighted the significant contributions of a dedicated adult in the community. Rocio Ledesma, a site coordinator at Eldorado High School, received the coveted Martin Serrano “Unsung Hero of the Year” award. This recognition honors individuals who work tirelessly to support students and enrich their lives within the community. Rocio’s unwavering commitment to her students has made a profound impact, helping them to overcome various obstacles in their educational journeys.
A big shoutout goes to the generous partners who made this event possible. The event was co-presented by Cox Communications and the NV Energy Foundation, with additional support from organizations such as Acrisure, Buzz Events, Howard Hughes, Shepard Exposition, and Shepard Audio Visual. It’s heartening to see community players coming together to invest in the future of Nevada’s youth.
Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada is making waves by serving over 100,000 students in 118 Title I and high-needs schools across the state. With full-time site coordinators dedicated to assisting students, CIS is committed to ensuring that kids overcome barriers and have a better chance of staying in school and graduating on time. In fact, the statistics speak for themselves: the graduation rate for CIS case-managed high school seniors was an impressive 97% for the 2023-2024 school year.
What sets CIS apart is its holistic approach. The organization connects students with vital services including eyeglasses, dental care, health care, professional counseling, school supplies, clothing, and food assistance. These resources are essential for students facing challenges as they pursue their education. It is this kind of support that helps create a nurturing environment that empowers youth to excel.
If you want to dive deeper into the work being done by Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, feel free to visit their website or follow them on social media. Their commitment to uplifting students in need is truly inspiring, making a lasting impact on the future of young individuals across Nevada.
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