The board of directors for Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) announced today the 2010 awardees to be recognized at the non-profit organization's annual gala, Celebrating Successes, on March 27th at the Great Wolf Lodge.

"This is a very impressive class of awardees that our board of directors and staff have selected", states Gary Henderson, CISNT CEO.  "In our short 16 year existence, CISNT has enjoyed outstanding support from the community.  These award winners represent the very best work between our staff and the community in helping to prevent student dropouts.  I wish more of the community could know the stories behind these award winners.  Most people simply do not understand that our work today is shaping our community for years to come." 

CISNT's 2010 award winners to be recognized on March 27th include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Mr. Bill Walker, Community Relations Director (retired), Hillwood Development
• 1Child Impact Award - Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation
• Advocate of the Year - Judge Darlene Whitten, Denton County
• Business Partner of the Year - Verizon Foundation
• Community Partner of the Year - Cross Timbers Church
• Educator of the Year - Ms. Sharon Cox, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Denton ISD
• Volunteer of the Year - Garden Ridge Church of Christ Food 4 Kids Volunteer Team
• Student of the Year - Maritza, Northwest ISD

Each of the 2010 award winners represent work and support that made profound impact in key areas that affect student dropouts:  alleviating child hunger, providing a second chance to an incarcerated youth, giving vital literacy support to second language learners of dozens of different languages, investing extraordinary time in student mentoring and providing vital financial support at CISNT's most challenging financial time. If you would like to attend the event to help honor the 2010 award winners please go to www.cisnt.org or call 972-436-6377 for more information.

By providing students with a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and the community, Communities In Schools has become nation's leading dropout prevention organization and the only proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates.  Learn more about CISNT at www.cisnt.org or call (972) 436-6377.  Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Gary Henderson, the CEO of Communities in Schools of North Texas, will be stopping by the Innovation at Work studios to talk about how Communities In Schools of North Texas is making a profound impact on the lives of so many students. What does CISNT do, and how can you get involved? Tune in to the Innovation at Work radio show on CNN 1190 AM today at 3pm CST.  CISNT volunteers are encouraged to call in to the show today to share their experiences at (214) 787-1190 or (817) 787-1190.

Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) is excited to announce the kickoff of their third annual 1Child Giving Campaign. Co-chairs for this community giving event, which will run from December 1 through January 31, are Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads, Lewisville ISD School Board President Carol Kyer, and Denton ISD School Board Trustee Charles Stafford. 

Did you know that only $1 a day allows CISNT to bridge the gap for one child in our community? Helping a child overcome the barriers they face in life helps them succeed in school. In the last school year, CISNT provided dropout prevention services to over 2,000 at-risk students.

The 1Child Campaign has grown each year, despite the recent economic challenges, but the need for donations to sustain CISNT is greater than ever. You can support CISNT’s dropout prevention programs by making a tax deductable donation. In addition, your donation can be a holiday gift through the 1Child Giving Campaign if made before December 16.

In a new development this year, the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation has generously committed a match grant to CISNT for the 1Child Giving Campaign. Every dollar donated to CISNT during the 1Child Giving Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, by the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation.

Information about donating to the 1Child Giving Campaign can be found on the CISNT website at www.CISNT.org, or by calling Dana Smith or Gary Henderson at 972-436-6377.

CISNT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide and coordinate community based solutions that equip at-risk students to overcome barriers, succeed in school, and prepare for life.

Verizon Foundation has awarded Communities In Schools of North Texas $20,000 for their work with at-risk students in Denton and Wise counties.  The grant award comes at a critical time for CISNT.  "To sustain all of our dropout prevention programs this year, we will need to generate around $150,000 more in support," states Gary Henderson, CISNT CEO.  "The possibility of closing a program this school year is very unpleasant, hundreds of at-risks students would be affected.  This new partnership with the Verizon Foundation demonstrates the strength and commitment to education that exists in our community."

Texas State Senator Chris Harris, along with Lewisville ISD school board president Carol Kyer and board secretary Amber Fulton, Hedrick principal Esteva Bargo and assistant principal Obie Esquivel, CISNT board member Louis Rael and CISNT staff joined Barbara Walker from the Verizon Foundation at Hedrick Elementary in Lewisville to present the award.  "We want to let you know that we all care about your education", commented Ms. Walker to the students,  "we want you to know that we support you and are here for you.  Keep working hard, we care about you and want you to be successful!"

Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to provide and coordinate community based solutions that equip at-risk students to overcome barriers, succeed in school and prepare for life.  To learn more about CISNT call (972) 436-6377 or visit www.CISNT.org.

At Communities In Schools of North Texas, was are deeply committed to accountability and transparency.  Throughout our website at www.CISNT.org you will find a number of resources that demonstrate our effectiveness and integrity.  It is no surprise that Communities In Schools has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance in a Reuters report. 

CISNT is a 501(c)3 non profit organization committed to helping students who are at-risk of dropping out of school succeed in school and prepare for life.