Communities In Schools of Eastern PA Celebrates Class of 2025 at Ready, Set, Graduate! Events Across the Region

The annual event expanded to two locations as the nonprofit reaches more students throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) celebrated the achievements of more than 75 high school seniors during its annual Ready, Set, Graduate! events this month. For the first time, the nonprofit hosted two regional celebrations to reflect its growing footprint across eastern Pennsylvania.

“These events are more than celebrations—they are reminders of what’s possible when we surround students with consistent, caring support,” said Tim Mulligan, president and CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. “Every student we honored has overcome challenges, stayed committed to their education and reached a milestone that sets the stage for lifelong success.”

The Lehigh Valley and Pocono region event took place on Tuesday, May 6, at DeSales

University in Center Valley. CIS of Eastern PA celebrated graduates from Berks County on

Tuesday, May 20, at the Neag Planetarium of the Reading Public Museum.

Both events honored the Class of 2025 with cap-and-gown processions, scholarship

presentations, and inspiring keynote speakers. At the Lehigh Valley event, keynote speaker Darian Colbert, founder and executive director of Cohesion Network, addressed students on leadership, resilience and the power of collective impact. In Reading, award-winning author and community advocate Lizette Epps shared her story and encouraged graduates to continue pushing forward with purpose and pride.

At the celebrations, CIS of Eastern PA awarded scholarships, each totalling $1,500, to five

deserving students:

Joan Benner Fuller Scholarship

‒Riley Harper, Emmaus High School

Chandler-Barnes Scholarship

‒Nevaeh Ackles, Lincoln Leadership Academy

‒Julian Miranda, Fleetwood Area Senior High School

‒Danae Dunbar, Freedom High School

‒Shaylynn Bailey, Reading Senior High School

Each Ready, Set, Graduate! event brought together students, families, CIS of Eastern PA staff, school faculty, donors and community leaders to recognize the determination and resilience of graduating seniors across the region.