Full-Circle Moments: Celebrating Graduation Season with CISSC
Graduation is a remarkable celebration, symbolizing achievements, growth, and new beginnings, transcending the cap and gown, diploma, or the moment of crossing the stage!
It’s a full-circle moment.
At Communities In Schools of South Carolina, we have the privilege of supporting students throughout their journeys. This graduation season, we are celebrating the remarkable young people who are confidently stepping into their futures with purpose and hope.
We invite you to read their inspiring stories and to support current students who will embrace their own opportunities in the years to come.
Create Full-Circle Moments for South Carolina Students
While every student’s story is unique, one thing remains true: success doesn’t happen in isolation.
Behind every graduation is a circle of support—parents, educators, mentors, Site Coordinators, community members, and donors who believe in young people and invest in their futures.
As we celebrate, we invite you to help create more full-circle moments for students across South Carolina.
CISSC Circle
When you join the CISSC Circle, you become part of a dedicated community of monthly donors committed to showing up for students all year long.
One-time Gift
A one-time gift makes an immediate impact, helping CISSC connect students with caring adults, academic support, and basic needs resources.
Berea High School Graduate
Meet Valery
Valery accomplished goals that many students only dream of. She graduated early as valedictorian, was accepted into every college she applied to, and earned a full scholarship to Converse University.
Her story is about more than academic achievement.
Throughout the school year, Valery’s CISSC Site Coordinator, Morgan Bookbinder, watched her grow in confidence. While balancing student council, cross country, GirlUpGVL, and dual enrollment and AP coursework, Valery continued to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and compassion for others.
Despite facing challenges that would discourage many people, she remained focused on her future and committed to making the most of every opportunity.
Today, Valery’s graduation represents academic success and a deeper journey toward confidence, self-advocacy, and believing in her own potential.
“CISSC has been a consistent presence, and I always have someone to talk to. I come to CISSC, and I don’t feel like anyone makes me feel small. They helped me advocate for myself, which is something I always struggled with. Sometimes it feels like you’re meant to be a student over being a person, and in CISSC, I feel like I get to be a person first.”
– Valery
“The most important thing to me is my achievement of the 4.8 GPA.”
– Karson
Lower Richland High School Graduate
Meet Karson
Karson is preparing for an exciting next chapter at the University of South Carolina.
Even before arriving on campus, Karson has already secured a position producing coaching videos for the university’s football department.
His CISSC Site Coordinator, Avery Fields, describes Karson as a student who consistently embraces growth opportunities and applies what he learns. Throughout high school, Karson strengthened his communication skills, sought out mentorship, and developed into a leader among his peers.
Through CISSC, Karson participated in school activities, communicated important information to fellow seniors, and served as a camera operator for school events—experiences that reinforced his passion for media and storytelling.
Avery believes one of Karson’s greatest strengths is his willingness to accept coaching and invest in his own development.
“Karson listens to advice and instruction and follows through on delivering expected outcomes,” Avery shared. “He is truly worth the time of investment in every manner. Karson is a leader in the present and the future.”
As he heads to USC this fall, Karson’s story reminds us of the power of mentorship, opportunity, and students who are willing to keep growing.
Hampton County High School Graduate
Meet Ma’lek
For Ma’lek, graduation is a full-circle moment that reflects years of growth, self-discovery, and preparation for a promising future.
Ma’lek is proud to have completed his school’s HVAC program through the Career and Technology Education (CATE) department. This accomplishment helped him discover a career path he is passionate about and prepared him for the next step in his journey. After graduation, he plans to work in HVAC while enrolled in college.
When Ma’lek first entered high school, he was quiet and reserved. He was homeschooled for several years, and building new relationships and finding his place among peers became one of his goals.
“Ma’lek came to me as a freshman,” Tonnya Grant, CISSC Site Coordinator, shared. “As time went by, he began to open up in group and individual sessions. He blossomed into a great student.”
The bond they built over the years grew so strong that Ma’lek began to refer to Tonnya as his ‘school mom’. Through that trusted relationship, he gained confidence in expressing himself and developed stronger social skills that continue to serve him today.
Ma’lek credits CISSC with helping him navigate challenges, strengthen his communication skills, and discover his future goals.
“He shared that CISSC helped him gather better social skills and helped him find his career path,” Tonnya said. “He expressed that the CISSC program is great because he can always come to his Site Coordinator to get help with anything.”
His story is a reminder that success isn’t always about being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes, it’s about steadily building confidence, embracing opportunities, and taking meaningful steps toward the future you envision for yourself.
“My next plan is to work hard and be the better version of myself,”
– Ma’lek
More Full-Circle Moments across South Carolina
Shesly
Shesly is entering high school with confidence, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.
This year, she was named “Ms. Deer Park” and achieved significant academic growth by improving her attendance and strengthening her performance in the classroom.
Her Site Coordinator, Mikal Hathaway, has watched her grow into a self-motivated student who takes ownership of her success and remains committed to making her family proud.
J.W.
J.W. is celebrating a major milestone this graduation season: earning his high school diploma and a scholarship to attend North Greenville University.
Described by his Site Coordinator, Carmen Medero, as respectful, kind, and determined, J.W. stayed focused on his goals and worked hard to achieve them.
Through academic and social-emotional support from CISSC, he continued moving forward and remained true to the future he envisioned for himself.
Davion
Davion’s story is one of determination and growth.
Over the past year and a half, he raised his GPA from a 1.9 to a 3.1 while also expressing his creativity by starting a fashion trend at school with clothing he designed himself.
With encouragement from his Site Coordinator, Tyrone Coleman, support from his family, and connections to professionals in his desired career field, Davion embraced opportunities for growth and proved that meaningful change is possible when hard work meets support.
S.P.
As S.P. prepares to transition from elementary school to middle school, he has plenty to celebrate. He is on track to earn all A’s and has achieved a personal goal he set at the beginning of the school year: improving his behavior and avoiding suspensions.
With support and accountability from his Site Coordinator, Kaylee Craig, S.P. remained focused on respecting his teachers and peers while prioritizing his academic success.
B.J.
Brandon “BJ” is graduating with plans to attend Trident Technical College on a scholarship.
According to his Site Coordinator, Clinton McPherson, BJ has overcome obstacles and uncertainty about his future while maintaining a positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to his goals, BJ found his path and is excited for what comes next.
B.R.
As B.R. prepares to transition from Berkeley Elementary to middle school, she has plenty to celebrate. Working alongside her Site Coordinator, Tiana Eaton, B.R., committed to staying focused on her goals and avoiding the conflicts that had previously distracted her.
B.R.’s perseverance, personal growth, and positive mindset helped her remain true to that commitment, and she has had no additional out-of-school suspensions since beginning her work with CISSC.
Be Part of the Next Full-Circle Moment
Every student deserves the support, encouragement, and opportunities needed to reach their goals.
When you join the CISSC Circle as a monthly donor or make a one-time gift, you help ensure that students across South Carolina have caring adults in their corner and the resources they need to succeed.
