Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania Hosts a Successful Champions For Education Celebration

Three former board chairs, Michael Bruckner, Susan Larkin and Matt Sorrentino, were inducted into the nonprofit’s Leadership Circle.

Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) honored PPL Corporation and inducted three former board chairs into its Leadership Circle during the annual Champions For Education celebration, which was presented by Olympus on Thursday, Nov. 13, at DeSales University Center in Center Valley.

Regarding PPL’s longstanding partnership with Communities In Schools of Eastern PA, Lisette Santana, President of PPL Foundation, said, "We're not just giving back, we're building relationships, opening doors, and helping shape a future full of possibility. Our employees actively volunteer at Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School, and one of the most consistent things we hear is how deeply these experiences resonate. We're proud to stand alongside Communities In Schools in their mission."

Individuals inducted into the Leadership Circle include: Michael Bruckner, retired vice president of external affairs and community relations at Muhlenberg College; Susan Larkin, chief operating officer at Allied Personnel Services; and Matt Sorrentino, former chair of Norris McLaughlin and retired CEO of HealthNetwork Laboratories. Bruckner, Larkin and Sorrentino were honored for the impact that they’ve made on the nonprofit’s growth, and join fellow members of the Leadership Circle, which includes State Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne, former board member Kim Capers, former board chairs Jack Gross and Charlie Marcon, and former Allentown School District Superintendent Diane Scott.

The evening also honored PPL Corporation, which has been a loyal partner of CIS of Eastern

PA for 23 years, providing financial support totaling $425,000 through the PPL Foundation.

Grants funded by the PPL Foundation empower communities by supporting student success

from cradle to career and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities. PPL has supported CIS of Eastern PA through Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) donations, support for the annual “Ready, Set, Graduate!” celebration, Integrated Student Supports and more. PPL’s involvement extends beyond monetary contributions, with leadership serving on the board of directors and committees of CIS of Eastern PA. For more information on the Champions For Education event, visit www.ciseasternpa.org/champions.