Communities In Schools of Eastern PA Celebrates Class of 2025 at Ready, Set, Graduate! Events Across the Region
The annual event expanded to two locations as the nonprofit reaches more students throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (May 27, 2025)—Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) celebrated the achievements of more than 75 high school seniors during its annual Ready, Set, Graduate! events this month. For the first time, the nonprofit hosted two regional celebrations to reflect its growing footprint across eastern Pennsylvania.
“These events are more than celebrations—they are reminders of what’s possible when we surround students with consistent, caring support,” said Tim Mulligan, president and CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. “Every student we honored has overcome challenges, stayed committed to their education and reached a milestone that sets the stage for lifelong success.”
The Lehigh Valley and Pocono region event took place on Tuesday, May 6, at DeSales University in Center Valley. CIS of Eastern PA celebrated graduates from Berks County on Tuesday, May 20, at the Neag Planetarium of the Reading Public Museum.
Both events honored the Class of 2025 with cap-and-gown processions, scholarship presentations, and inspiring keynote speakers. At the Lehigh Valley event, keynote speaker Darian Colbert, founder and executive director of Cohesion Network, addressed students on leadership, resilience and the power of collective impact. In Reading, award-winning author and community advocate Lizette Epps shared her story and encouraged graduates to continue pushing forward with purpose and pride.
At the celebrations, CIS of Eastern PA awarded scholarships, each totalling $1,500, to five deserving students:
Joan Benner Fuller Scholarship
- Riley Harper, Emmaus High School
Chandler-Barnes Scholarship
- Nevaeh Ackles, Lincoln Leadership Academy
- Julian Miranda, Fleetwood Area Senior High School
- Danae Dunbar, Freedom High School
- Shaylynn Bailey, Reading Senior High School
Each Ready, Set, Graduate! event brought together students, families, CIS of Eastern PA staff, school faculty, donors and community leaders to recognize the determination and resilience of graduating seniors across the region.
For more information about CIS of Eastern PA or to learn how you can support students on their journey to graduation, visit www.ciseasternpa.org.
About Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania
Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 2 million students in 27 states and the District of Columbia. With caring adults serving over 41,000 students in 52 schools throughout Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties, the CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We believe in the incredible potential in every student and we work tirelessly to unlock it.
For more information, visit www.ciseasternpa.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Amiee Goldy
