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.