Media Contact: Chip Minty 405.228.8647

Fort Worth, November 15, 2011 - In celebration of its 40 years in business, Devon Energy awarded a $40,000 grant to Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) to support programs at Rivera and Borman Elementary, two Denton Independent School District (DISD) schools. The grant is part of Devon's company-wide "$40K for Kids" initiative, which has awarded eight $40,000 grants, totaling $320,000, to worthy schools and nonprofit educational organizations in seven states including Texas. The grant program was established as part of Devon's 40th anniversary celebrations this year.

"We are honored to award this prestigious grant to Communities In Schools of North Texas," said Brian Oliver, Regional Vice-President Midstream Operations for Devon Energy. "Our company places great value in organizations that are innovators in education and are working to create the next generation of leaders. Everyone wins when this type of community partnership is created."

To notify CISNT that they had won the $40K for Kids grant in North Texas, Devon Energy took their own "prize patrol" to Rivera Elementary and with the help of the 4th and 5th graders, surprised the onsite CISNT program manager, the principals from both Rivera and Borman Elementary and several Denton ISD officials with a check for $40,000 and an elaborate surprise party.

"We are so grateful for Devon's partnership and investment in our organization and our students at Rivera and Borman," said Dana Smith, Chief Executive Officer of CISNT. "We look forward to helping students reach new heights through this program."

CISNT is a school-based, dropout prevention program offered to socio-economically disadvantaged and at-risk students living in situations that put them at-risk for academic failure. CISNT aims to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. With the $40K for Kids grant, CISNT will be able to support the direct costs of the program delivery at Rivera and Borman, including a full-time program manager for both school campuses, case management services, mentor recruitment, training, placement and supervision, and student support supplies.

Devon followed a competitive grant application process to select their $40K for Kids grant winners. Seventy-four organizations in North Texas submitted applications, and a committee of Devon employees narrowed down the field to several finalists. Devon employees then conducted site visits to evaluate the programs for which funds were sought, before selecting CISNT.

In addition to the grant in Texas, Devon awarded grants in other areas where the company has field operations including Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. Texas was awarded two grants, one statewide and a second specifically in North Texas's Barnett Shale.

Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE: DVN) is an Oklahoma City-based independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration. Devon is a leading independent oil and gas producer and is included in the S&P 500 index. For additional information, visit www.devonenergy.com.

Lewisville, TX - December 1, 2011:

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

Did you know that $1 a day allows Communities In Schools of North Texas 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, which is our number one goal. During the 2011-2012 school year, CISNT is projecting to provide dropout prevention services to over 3,000 at-risk students in four school districts across Denton and Wise counties.

This year the 1Child Giving Campaign is more crucial than ever. CISNT experienced a 30% funding cut from the state this past session, forcing them to close two vital case management programs last summer. You can support CISNT's dropout prevention programs by making a tax deductable donation, which will help reinstate these critical services to the at-risk students who need them most.

To help give your donation an even greater impact, the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation has generously committed a match grant for the 1Child Giving Campaign. Every dollar donated to Communities In Schools of North Texas during the 1Child Giving Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $30,000, by the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation.

Information about donating to the 1Child Giving Campaign can be found on the Communities In Schools of North Texas website at www.CISNT.org, or by calling Dana Smith or Lori Fickling at 972-436-6377. Donations made before December 16 can be made as a holiday gift and a card will be sent to the recipient in acknowledgement.

CISNT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

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Dana Smith, Executive Director of Communities In Schools of North Texas, accepts the Non-Profit of the Year Award from Gary Lewis, President of United Community Bank. Photo by JaLynn West.

LEWISVILLE, TX, JULY 22, 2011

Now in its fourth year - and hosted by the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Highland Village Business Association - the Unity in Community luncheon is a celebration and recognition of the non-profit organizations that serve southern Denton County.

Communities In Schools of North Texas joined other area agencies in an expo, in which the organizations are encouraged to set up a booth to introduce themselves and share their message with luncheon attendees.

"We were beyond thrilled to be named Non-Profit of the Year," said Dana Smith, Executive Director, "especially considering what a difficult year it has been for this agency. But because of the support of the community, Communities In Schools of North Texas is gearing up for the new school year, prepared to serve more students than ever in its history."

Based in Lewisville, Communities In Schools of North Texas operates dropout prevention programs in four area school districts that served more than 2,000 at-risk youth during the most recent academic year. The upcoming school year will see nearly 3,000 students served by the organization.

About Communities in Schools of North Texas
Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves over 2,000 students at-risk of dropping out of school in Denton and Wise counties. Their mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

The agency targets vulnerable populations, such as teen parents, gang members, the homeless, those who abuse drugs or alcohol, and those who have incarcerated parents, for comprehensive services designed to help them overcome these barriers and stay in school.

To learn more about Communities In Schools of North Texas, visit www.CISNT.org or call 972-436-6377.

Pictured left to right: John Nguyen, Chief Information Officer for CISNT; Amber Fulton, CISNT Board President; Carol Kyer, LISD Board and CISNT Advisory Board Chairman; Dana Smith, Executive Director of CISNT; Gary Lewis, President, United Community Bank; Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, Advisory Board member; Lori Walker, Commissioner Eads' office, board member; Commissioner Andy Eads, board member; Trish Robinson, State Representative Tan Parker's office, board member. Photo by Max Miller.

Dana brings with her nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit management, most recently serving as Director of Grant Research and Development for Communities In Schools of North Texas. She was responsible for securing the $1.6 million grant awarded by the Texas Education Agency last month to provide additional after school learning programs for students at-risk of dropping out of school in Denton ISD and Lewisville ISD.

"Dana has devoted her time and talents to our organization for many years," said Amber Fulton, Board President, "and we are excited to have her officially at the helm. Her expertise with the agency is invaluable as we implement new programs and adjust to our ever-changing landscape."

Dana holds a Master's in Social Work from Baylor University and helped start and manage a nonprofit agency in Waco before joining Communities In Schools of North Texas in 2005. Her experience in counseling, program management and grant writing, as well as community relations and general organization management, makes her the ideal candidate to fill this position, according to Executive Board members.

The entire Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Dana to this new position and looks forward to a prosperous future for the agency under her direction. You may reach Ms. Smith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 972-436-6377.

About Communities in Schools of North Texas
Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves over 2,000 students at-risk of dropping out of school in Denton and Wise counties. Their mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. To learn more about Communities In Schools of North Texas, visit www.CISNT.org or call 972-436-6377.

Many North Texas students are ill equipped to pursue academic excellence. You can help! Below is a list of items that will go a long way in helping a child successfully learn, achieve excellence and have a fulfilling school experience.

If you would like more information, please contact Lori Fickling, Director of Community Relations at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 972-436-6377.

• spirals (wide and college ruled)
• 1" 3 ring binders
• 3" 3 ring binders
• 5 count dividers
• folders with pockets and brads in primary colors
• notebook paper (wide and college ruled)
• highlighters
• blue and black ballpoint pens
• # 2 pencils
• pencil bags and pencil boxes
• 12 count colored pencils
• covered pencil sharpeners
• glue sticks
• markers
• scissors
• blank index cards
• construction paper (12x18)
• manilla paper (12x18)
• rulers
• pink erasers
• dry erase markers
• composition books
• USB thumb drives
• scientific calculators
• protractors