For many students, challenges outside the classroom begin to shape what happens inside it. That was the case for Armoni, a member of the Class of 2026 at Easton Area High School. As the oldest of five in a household led by a determined single mother, she took on significant financial and familial responsibilities. The home, while very tight-knit, was also stressful and chaotic: a weight she carried with her to school. She lost sight of her interests and her identity as a you

This May, Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) hosted our annual ‘Ready, Set, Graduate!’ celebrations, honoring more than 100 students across two ceremonies. As always, we were proud to celebrate not only the Class of 2026’s academic achievements, but also the resilience, perseverance and growth that led to this milestone. As part of the celebration, CIS of Eastern PA recognized four exceptional students through the presentation of the Joan Benne

At the end of Khaliq’s eighth-grade year, he was enjoying a typical summer evening with friends at a local basketball court when his life changed forever. Gunfire broke out on their walk home, striking Khaliq in the arm and leg. While the physical recovery was challenging, the emotional impact was more profound than Khaliq anticipated. The trauma affected his mental well-being, negatively impacting his school attendance and making his transition to high school feel nearly im

When John walked through the doors of Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School for the first time as a junior, he was stepping into an entirely new world.