18th Annual Champs Celebration
An unforgettable event that celebrates and recognizes the time and effort of those who have aided our students in realizing their full potential.
On April 30th, we hosted our 18th annual Champs Celebration, which was a beautiful night filled with inspiration and gratitude. The Arcadia Ballroom at the Radisson Plaza Hotel was filled with over 300 guests joining to honor individuals and community partners who share in the CIS vision— an engaged community where every child fulfills his or her promise—by actively putting forth time, energy, talent, and resources to drive this vision to reality.
We were guided through the awards program by this year’s emcee, CIS Board President Linnaea Thomas. During the evening, we also welcomed presenters from Kalsec, Inc. (Ian Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer for Kalsec, Inc.), Kalamazoo Public Schools (Dr. Darrin Slade, Superintendent), CIS of Kalamazoo (James Devers, Executive Director), and students from Kalamazoo Central High School, Loy Norrix High School, and Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program (Jaylan Vincent, Devin Harris, and Austin Bus).
This year’s award recipients honored include:
First Day Shoe Fund was honored with a Champ award that was presented by CIS Board Member Kwame G. Gyimah
First Day Shoe Fund is a Kalamazoo-based non-profit dedicated to providing new athletic shoes at no cost to students in elementary schools across the county. Founded in 2004, First Day Shoe Fund has grown significantly from distributing 160 pairs of shoes in the first year to distributing over 11,000 pairs of shoes across 47 schools this past fall. The organization partners with CIS site coordinators in CIS supported schools to help facilitate shoe distributions, ensuring students have access to new shoes. SLD Read team and board members.
Leading up to the Champs Celebration, a video was prepared and played during the program for First Day Shoe Fund. You can see the video here.
Richard Phillips was honored with the Gulnar Husain Volunteer Award and presented by CIS Board Member Susie Einspahr.
Richard Phillips has been a dedicated volunteer with CIS for over 20 years. His journey as a CIS volunteer began as a tutor at Northglade Montessori School, where he worked with first-grade students and later supported upper elementary students and school-wide programs. Richard’s commitment to making a difference has extended to Edison Academy, where he is known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to community improvement. His genuine care for the students he works with has made him an irreplaceable figure in the community, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.
Leading up to the Champs Celebration, a video was prepared and played during the program for Richard. You can see the video here.
Jenee McDaniel was honored with the CIS of Kalamazoo Staff Recognition, which was presented by CIS Senior Director of Site Services, Dr. Tamiko Garrett.
Jenee McDaniel’s CIS career began as an intern at Loy Norrix High School, later transitioning into a full-time coordinator after earning a degree in social work from Western Michigan University. She later discovered a passion for after-school programming and served as the coordinator at Linden Grove Middle School. She later launched the program at Washington Writers’ Academy. Jenee is known for her creative and effective approach to after-school initiatives, focusing on college and career readiness while fostering meaningful relationships with students. Now as an associate director of after-school programs, Jenee brings her wealth of experience and knowledge to maintain high standards across multiple sites.
A video was made by a few students at Washing Writers’ Academy to help celebrate her at this year’s event. You can see the video here.
The Kalamazoo Promise was honored with the Diether Haenicke Promise of Excellence Award presented by the President of the CIS of Kalamazoo Board, Linnaea Thomas.
Launched in 2005, The Kalamazoo Promise is celebrating their 20th anniversary. Over $230 million in scholarships to over 8,700 individuals have been awarded. Beyond providing financial support, The Kalamazoo Promise has expanded its supports to include pathway coaches, business collaborations, workforce development through internship programs, reconnection efforts, and community engagement – ensuring students receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.
The Kalamazoo Promise Executive Director, Von Washington Jr. accepted the award on behalf of The Kalamazoo Promise team.
If you are interested in seeing more photos from this year’s Champs Celebration, you can access them here.
Our Champs sponsors allow us to host this beautiful event. Their ongoing support has made our work and this celebration possible. Thank you to our 2025 Champs sponsors:
Our presenting sponsor, Kalsec Inc.
Senior sponsors: Fifth Third Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Landscape Forms, Maestro, PNC Bank, and R.W. LaPine Inc.
Junior sponsors: Humphrey Products, Miller Davis Company, Welsh & Associates, Western Michigan University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, College of Education and Human Development and Student Affairs, and Zoetis.
Sophomore sponsors: Bronson Healthcare, Comerica Bank, FEMA Corporation, First Financial Bank, Greenleaf Trust, The Kalamazoo Promise, LKF Marketing, Mike and Sharon Seelye Family Foundation, and Warner Norcross + Judd, LLP.
Freshman sponsors: Consumers Credit Union and Mercantile Bank.
Tags: Champs, Champs Celebration, CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Public Schools
