A Future Built on Support: River’s Story

Phoenix High School 2026 senior River Ford is stepping into her next chapter prepared, hopeful, and full of possibility. At this year’s Champs Celebration, River took center stage to share what it has meant to have Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo in her corner—and to recognize the people who showed up for her consistently, including Ms. Tinsaye, Ms. Naz, and Ms. Best, who are past and present CIS coordinators who supported her from middle school through high school. 

Before the celebration, River also guided us through a video site visit of Phoenix High School—offering a glimpse into the place where she grew, persevered, and kept moving forward. River is now looking ahead to attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College to explore furthering her education in the field of child support so she can give back in the same kinds of ways she has been supported. 

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.” 

Check out River’s video here.