LAS VEGAS, NEV (May 1, 2026) – Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada (CIS of Southern Nevada), part of the nation’s leading evidence-based dropout prevention organization, recently celebrated three outstanding students at its annual Power Within event—recognizing young people who have overcome significant barriers and demonstrated remarkable growth during the 2025–2026 school year. Serving 70,000 students across 75 schools in Southern Nevada, CIS of Southern Nevada works directly inside schools to connect students with the resources, relationships and support systems they need to stay in school and succeed in life. Each year, Power Within shines a spotlight on students whose journeys reflect resilience and transformation. This year’s honorees include students representing elementary, middle and high school levels, each with a powerful story of purpose and hope.
About the Power Within honorees:
· Santino Laporte, 5th grade, Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary School. Nominated by CIS site coordinator, Cristina Torres, Santino Laporte’s journey is a powerful example of growth, resilience and learning how to channel one’s strengths with determination. Known for his big personality and strong sense of loyalty, Laporte initially struggled with emotional regulation and accountability. With the support of CIS, he developed tools to better understand and manage his emotions—learning to recognize triggers, take breaks and make more thoughtful decisions in challenging moments. Rather than quieting his voice, the focus was on helping him use it with intention. Today, Laporte is thriving socially, demonstrating strong self-awareness and modeling positive behavior among his peers. He earned a spot on his school’s basketball team and consistently shows excellent sportsmanship—an impressive transformation that he will carry with him as he enters middle school next school year.
· Ruby Hernandez, 8th grade, William H. Bailey Middle School. Nominated by CIS site coordinator, Ailani Navarro, Ruby Hernandez’s story reflects the power of believing in oneself and consistent support. Over the past three years with CIS, Hernandez has steadily built both her academic confidence and her sense of confidence. Academically, she has made remarkable strides—raising her math grade from a 59 percent to a consistent 90 percent through persistence and a willingness to seek help. Beyond the classroom, Hernandez has remained focused on creating a brighter future for herself despite personal and family challenges. She has applied to Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) where she aspires to pursue a career in cosmetology and continues to demonstrate leadership and involvement on campus.
· Alejandro “Alex” Villanueva, 12th grade, Chaparral High School. Nominated by CIS site coordinator, Priscilla Landero, Alejandro “Alex” Villanueva’s progress didn’t happen all at once – it was built steadily over time through determination, trust and a commitment to his future. What began as a difficult freshman year marked by personal loss, mental health challenges and uncertainty has evolved into a story of strength and leadership. After connecting with CIS early in high school, Villanueva found a safe and supportive space where he could begin to process challenges and rebuild confidence. During his sophomore year, Villanueva faced a life-changing health diagnosis, requiring him to quickly adapt to manage his health while continuing his education. With continued support, he persevered—balancing academics, personal responsibilities and his well-being. Today, Villanueva is a leader among his peers, helping fellow students navigate challenges and actively contributes to his school community. He has secured employment, maintained academic progress, and built a clear vision for his future. Villanueva plans to attend Grand Canyon University and has already received a financial aid package.
The nonprofit also named Burgundi Wright, a CIS site coordinator at Canyon Springs High School, as the Martin Serrano “Unsung Hero of the Year” in recognition of over 10 years of serving students and families. The “Unsung Hero of the Year” award is named after Serrano, a CIS site coordinator who made a lasting, positive impact on hundreds of students who turned to him during his time with the organization. Like Serrano, recipients find ways to invest in the success of the community, take time to understand the values of the people we serve and recognize the strength and impact that comes from positive relationships.
In celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of our students, each Power Within honoree received a $1,000 contribution from Foundation XNL along with a $529 deposit from the Nevada State Treasury into a 529 college savings account. This partnership was made possible by the generosity of Foundation XNL and NVIGATE—powered by the Nevada State Treasury.
In addition, Aristocrat awarded our winning senior a $2,500 scholarship to support their next steps after graduation. This contribution reflects a shared commitment to ensuring students are not only recognized for their achievements today but also equipped with the resources and support needed to pursue their goals beyond high school.
Power Within recognized the following partners for their remarkable contributions to CIS and our students:
- Academy Teacher of the Year – Roberto Lopez, Sunrise Mountain High School
- #AllInForKids Champion/Corporate Partner of the Year – Senator Joyce Woodhouse
- Programmatic Partner of the Year – Three Square Food Bank
- Principal of the Year – Dr. Jodi Notch, Cozine Elementary School
A special thank you to this year’s Power Within co-presenting sponsors, Cox Communications and NV Energy Foundation as well as Aristocrat, our “Whatever It Takes” sponsor.
About Communities In Schools of Nevada
Communities In Schools (CIS) of Nevada places full-time, professionally trained site coordinators in 117 Title I and high-needs schools to support nearly 100,000 K-12 students. By leveraging a statewide network of more than 120 community nonprofits and partners, CIS brings essential community resources directly into schools to remove barriers to student success. Whether providing healthcare, professional counseling, or basic necessities like food and housing, CIS closes the opportunity gaps students face daily. Recent Harvard research confirms that CIS’ relationship-driven approach leads to higher test scores, increased college attendance, and higher adult earnings. In the 2024-2025 school year, CIS case-managed seniors in Nevada achieved a 97 percent graduation rate. Learn more at cisnevada.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact: Cherryl Kaopua, Communities In Schools of Nevada, cherryl@twgpr.com, 702-408-8334
