Inside CIS - Volume 6 - Number 5 - December 2010

Aug 24, 2026

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Inside CIS is a quarterly newsletter from Communities In Schools, a leading dropout prevention organization, featuring updates on leadership, programs, and outcomes across the national network. This issue highlights a nationwide Unsung Heroes Award sponsored by AT&T, recognizing five site coordinators who strengthen student support through mentoring, counseling, career guidance, and connections to essential resources. It also includes a president’s message on giving back and stories of students whose engagement leads to college, service, and community impact.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time12 min

AccessFree to download

President’s Message

The Gift of Giving Back

Site Coordinators Assemble for Pilot Training Program

National Leadership Council Profile

Fast Track to the Future

Spotlight on Success

Spotlight on Success continued: Accreditation Update

Become an Advocate for Students

Inside A quarterly newsletter of Communities In Schools, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization CIS Contents VO L U M E 6 • N U M B E R 5 • D EC E M B E R 2 0 1 0 2 President’s Message | 3 | Site Coordinators
Assemble for Pilot
Training Program | | --- | --- | | 4 | National Leadership Council Profile | | 5 | Fast Track to the Future | | 6 | Spotlight on Success | | 7 | Spotlight on Success continued Accreditation Update | 8 Become an Advocate for Students Communities In Schools Sings the Praises of Everyday Heroes AT&T Commits $1.5 Million to Bring More of These Heroes to High-Needs Schools Communities In Schools recently honored five extraordinary site coordinators, selected from across the national network, who exemplify the commitment of the organization to surround students with a community of support. The five“Unsung Heroes” are: Deborah Yarbrough, Kalamazoo, Mich., described by a colleague as someone who will “love a student into getting the job done.” Dr. Bernita Dinwiddie, Nassau County, Fla., who retired as a principal, and then volunteered full time for Communities In Schools, saying,“My vacation can wait, these kids can’t.” John Magary, Columbus, Ohio. The principal of his school said,“I never knew there were resources in my community until John came along. Resources are now pouring into the school.” Louis DesChamps, Montgomery County, N.C. For Mr. D, as his students call him, weekends mean nothing, as he is on call 24/7 for each child. Robin Hempton Haggard, Charleston, S.C., about whom her principal said,“When one puts students first without needing constant recognition or guidance, that person is a true unsung hero.” The nationwide competition, underwritten by AT&T, drew nominations from 25 Communities In Schools local affiliates in 13 states. The Unsung Heroes Award is given each year to Communities In Schools employees who demonstrate high levels of commitment, accountability, persistence, coordination and a dedication to equality. The five Unsung Heroes were each presented with an award at a ceremony on Capitol Hill on September 23. Each winner also received a $1,000 honorarium through the support provided by AT&T. “The critical work that Deborah Yarbrough does each and every day in our schools is instrumental to keeping students engaged in school and on track to graduate,” said Congressman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) .“We applaud unsung heroes like Communities In Schools President Dan Cardinali (far left) and AT&T Executive Director of Public Affairs Erik Hower (far right) accompanied Unsung Heroes (l-r) Louis DesChamps, John Magary, Bernita Dinwiddie and Deborah Yarbrough at an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill. Robin Hempton Haggard, the fifth Unsung Hero, was unable to attend the ceremony. Photo by Pamela Leopold Deborah and her peers being honored today by Communities In Schools and AT&T, who selflessly devote their time and resources to better the community and set an example for others to follow. They put students on a path to succeed in school and in life.” AT&T’s $1.5 million contribution to Communities In Schools supports the Unsung Heroes Award as well as the hiring of 26 additional site coordinatorsin high-needs schools in 14 communities. Coordinators help connect at-risk students with academic support, mentoring, counseling, afterschool programs, career development, health care and other resources. “Site coordinators are the heart of our model,” said Daniel Cardinali, president of Communities In Schools.“These five heroes embody the dedication of all Communities In Schools staff who help kids overcome the challenges of poverty so they can achieve their full potential.” 2 President’s Message The Gift of Giving Back Dan Cardinali, president, Communities In Schools Photo by William Waybourn This time of year presents opportunities for reflection, family gatherings and reaching out to those most in need. For more than 30 years

FAQs

What do site coordinators do for at-risk students?

Site coordinators connect at-risk students with academic support, mentoring, counseling, afterschool programs, career development, health care, and other community resources.

Aug 24, 2026

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