Communities in Schools of Atlanta Raises $530,000 during 12th Annual Choose Success Awards Dinner

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Monday, May 23rd, 2016

Communities In Schools of Atlanta hosted a memorable celebration this week to distinguish academic and life accomplishments of students while also raising more than $530,000 in donations. Student’s life stories touched the hearts of more than 500 family, friends, educators, elected officials and special guests during the 12th Annual Choose Success Awards Dinner Gala at the Georgia Aquarium Tuesday, May 17.

The Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award was presented to George H. Johnson, a long-time champion of CIS and real estate visionary, for his significant contributions to education and the community.

Fred Blankenship, anchor for Channel 2 Action News, lead the program as the event emcee.

The gala recognized elementary, middle and high school students from its Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton county partner schools for making significant improvements in their attendance, behavior and attendance, and for engaging in service projects that positively impacted their communities.

The Choose Success program enables CIS of Atlanta students in partner schools in Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties to identify needs in their communities, apply for small grants, implement their projects and document their results with the support of CIS staff. The Choose Success experience allows students who face various social and economic challenges to be of service to others in need. Young people are able to see that although they face challenges, they are assets to their communities. CIS believes thatevery child should have opportunities to give back to their peers and their communities.

Westlake High School came in first place for their service project in providing homeless women living in transitional housing, homeless shelters, and even on the streets, with personalized tote bags filled with donated beauty and hygiene products. The winning group walked away with T-shirts, certificates and a trophy.

In addition to recognizing students for community service, Choose Success recognizes young people for making significant improvements in the areas of attendance, behavior and academics.  Individual Student Achievement Award recipients shared their personal heartfelt stories of social and economic hardships and triumphs through interviews featured on a video. Students were awarded with T-shirts, certificates and IPad Mini’s.