Stories of Strength: Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

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 Benner Fuller Scholarship and Chandler-Barnes Scholarships. These students distinguished themselves through their dedication to their education, personal growth and future goals. 

This year, our recipients were: 

• Nayara O. of Reading High School, recipient of the Joan Benner-Fuller Scholarship 

• Xavier M. of William Allen High School, recipient of the Chandler-Barnes Scholarship

• Kaliz C. of Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School, recipient of the Chandler-Barnes Scholarship

• Alanna L. from Northwestern Lehigh High School, recipient of the Chandler-Barnes Scholarship 

Each student received a $1,500 scholarship to support their educational endeavors beyond high school.

When reflecting on the impact CIS had on their journey to graduation, one student said, “True resilience does not require outward perfection; instead, it is the courage to give yourself the grace to fall apart before you sew yourself back together. CIS provided a safe space where I didn’t have to be a perfect student. I could just be a person in recovery.” 

This captures the heart of CIS of Eastern PA’s work. Through trusted relationships and individualized support, students are given the space to navigate challenges, build confidence and recognize their potential. Our mission is not centered on perfection, but on helping students feel supported and empowered to pursue futures they may not have known were possible.

As we reflect on the 2025-2026 school year and prepare for the year ahead, we are inspired by this year’s scholarship recipients and the entire Class of 2026, who have demonstrated resilience each and every day. Their journeys remind us of what becomes possible when students are surrounded by a community that champions their potential.