19th Annual Champs Celebration
Together, we are shaping a future filled with possibility, opportunity and success for our children.
On April 22nd, we hosted our 19th annual Champs Celebration, which was a memorable evening filled with inspiration and gratitude. More than 300 guests gathered in the Arcadia Ballroom at the Radisson Plaza Hotel to honor the individuals and community partners who share the CIS vision—an engaged community where every child fulfills his or her promise—and who invest their time, energy, talent, and resources to help bring that vision to life.
This year’s program was led by emcee Von Washington Jr. We were also honored to welcome presenters from Kalsec, Inc. (Mark Staples, Vice President of Global Marketing for Kalsec, Inc.), Kalamazoo Public Schools (Dr. Darrin Slade, Superintendent), CIS of Kalamazoo (James Devers, Chief Executive Officer), and Phoenix High School student, River Ford.
Before the evening’s event, a few students from the CIS After School program at Lincoln International Studies joined our Chief Executive Officer, James Devers, for a brief video interview about the importance of being present. The video offered a fun, meaningful way to kick off the evening. You can watch it here.
One powerful moment of the night was hearing from Phoenix High School student River Ford. River has been connected with CIS coordinators since middle school and currently works with Ms. Tinsaye at Phoenix High School. River shared, “Ms. Tinsaye has always been there to keep me mentally and physically safe, encouraged me to push forward, and told me to try when the mental or physical trip was scary. The moment I’ve stepped into this school, I’ve always known that I’ve had someone there for me.”
Prior to River’s presentation, she guided guests through a site visit at Phoenix via video. You can see her video here.
This year’s award recipients include:
Frank Rocco was honored with a Champ award that was presented by CIS After School Coordinator Alyssa Heffner (fun fact, Alyssa was also a student of Mr. Rocco).
Frank Rocco’s journey in education is rooted in service, commitment, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. Now in his 25th year with Kalamazoo Public Schools and his 14th as a principal, he leads with humility, consistency, and heart. Shaped by early experiences in community service and guided by strong mentors, Principal Rocco has built a school culture grounded in compassion, trust, and high expectations. He understands the real challenges facing students and families and responds by building strong partnerships, championing mental health and student supports, and empowering a dedicated staff to meet students where they are.
Leading up to the Champs Celebration, a video was prepared and played during the program for Frank Rocco. You can see the video here.
Jim Cupper was honored with the Gulnar Husain Volunteer Award and presented by CIS Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Leversee.
Jim Cupper is a dedicated CIS volunteer whose steady presence and genuine care have made a lasting impact on students in Kalamazoo. Jim has supported young learners through tutoring, mentorship, and relationship‑building in local schools.
After a successful career, Jim chose service in retirement. He currently tutors at Edison Elementary School, serves on the CIS Volunteer Leadership Advisory Committee, and gives back through Rotary and other local organizations. Guided by humility and a belief that every child deserves support, Jim volunteers not for recognition, but because it gives him purpose.
Leading up to the Champs Celebration, a video was prepared and played during the program for Jim. You can see the video here.
Phil McIntyre-Sexton was honored with the CIS of Kalamazoo Staff Recognition, which was presented by CIS Chief Executive Officer, James Devers.
Phil is a valued member of the CIS team who grew up in Kalamazoo and now proudly serves as the site coordinator at Maple Street— the very school he attended as a student. His career working with young people began in daycare and after-school programming, which eventually led him to Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo more than 12 years ago. Over the years, Phil has been an impactful presence in our after-school program and has spent the past eight years excelling in his current role as site coordinator.
Leading up to the Champs Celebration, a video was prepared and played during the program for Phil. You can see the video here.
The People’s Church of Kalamazoo was honored with the Diether Haenicke Promise of Excellence Award presented by the President of the CIS of Kalamazoo Board, Linnaea Thomas.
The People’s Church is honored as the 2026 recipient of the Diether Haenicke Promise of Excellence Award for its long‑standing partnership with Lincoln International Studies Elementary School and its unwavering support of immigrant and refugee families. Through sustained advocacy for Lincoln’s Newcomer Program, practical assistance that removes barriers to student participation, and a deep commitment to relationship‑centered service, the People’s Church helps ensure students are not only welcomed but truly supported. Guided by their mission to build a beloved community that embraces and serves a diverse world, the congregation consistently mobilizes volunteers and resources to meet children and families where they are—embodying compassion, dignity, and excellence in action.
Reverend Rachel Lonberg accepted the award on behalf of The People’s Church.
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 2026 Champs sponsors:
Our presenting sponsor, Kalsec Inc.
Senior sponsors: JP Morgan Chase, Landscape Forms, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Maestro, and PNC Bank.
Junior sponsors: Bronson Healthcare, Humphrey Products, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, R.W. LaPine, Inc., and Zoetis.
Sophomore sponsors: CSM Group, Doerschler & Associates, FEMA Corporation of Michigan, First Financial Bank, Greenleaf Trust, The Kalamazoo Promise, LKF Marketing, Miller Davis Company, Mercantile Bank, Mike & Sharon Seelye Family Foundation, and Western Michigan University School of Medicine.
Freshman sponsors: Community Promise Credit Union, a division of North Central Area Credit Union, Consumers Energy, and Welsh & Associates.
Tags: Champs, Champs Celebration, CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Public Schools
