Honor the People Who Shaped You. Show Up for a Student Who Needs Someone Today.
For more than 40 years, Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CIS-Charlotte) has stood beside students in moments that shaped their future — and helped illuminate what was possible through a trust relationship and steady support.
Because behind every success story is someone who believed in the potential of that story.
A mentor.
A teacher.
A caring adult who noticed, listened, and believed.
Illuminate is a celebration of those people and a commitment to making sure every student has a caring, trusted adult to help guide their journey.
Keep scrolling to see our Luminary Wall honoring those illuminated by friends of CIS.
One Person Can Change Everything
We all remember the person who changed our path, the one who saw possibility when life felt uncertain and reminded us we were capable of more.
Illuminate exists to honor those people while ensuring students today experience that same life-changing presence. For more than four decades, CIS-Charlotte has placed caring adults inside schools every day. Building trust, removing barriers, and helping students stay connected to their education and their future.
Research across the CIS network shows that when students have consistent relationships and coordinated support, engagement rises, graduation becomes more attainable, and pathways to long-term economic mobility expand. Because presence changes possibility.
The Impact of Showing Up
Data from 2024-25
- 99% of students served stay in school and promoted to the next grade level
- 79,000+ student supports provided
- 85% of student academic goals showed positive improvement
- 80% of student attendance goals showed positive improvement
- Over 400 CIS Seniors graduated
Your support helps provide the steady encouragement, academic guidance, and basic needs assistance that allow students to thrive and reach their potential.
A luminary is more than a tribute; it is a promise that a student will not navigate challenges alone.
🕯 Luminary Wall 🕯
The people who changed your life may never fully know the impact they had. Be the light that reminds a young person their future is still unfolding.
Explore the wall, celebrate the people who shaped our journeys, and add a light for someone who helped shape yours.
Nancy Cooper
Kirsten Sikkelee
Lisa Elam Rice
Kristen Garner
Jen Rothacker
Adam Rhew
Dr. Bradley M. Roof
Daryle Clark
Laura Shepard
Linda Lockman-Brooks
Tanasha Williams
Angela Woods
Dr. Michael E. Busing
Dr. Theresa B. Clarke
Kathy Whitten
Connie Good Hess
Ginger L. Neff
Marcellus Turner (MT)
Kim Buch
Susan Harden
Donna Von Oehsen
E. Jane Booth
Sinead Sargeant
Christy Neff
Matt Wissman
Justin Perry
Ahmad Halawi
Kimberly Vaught
Deb Frank
Sabrina Shiflet
Lila Gardner
Suzanne Hunt
Carlenia Ivory-Cantey
Kelly Price
