Who is a champion in your life?
We all know someone who has touched our lives, gone above and beyond to lift others up, and makes our community stronger. We recognize some of these outstanding people each year at our annual Champs Celebration. Being recognized as a CIS Champ is inspiring for the honoree, the person who nominated them, and all who learn about these special members in our community.
We think there should be more of these uplifting moments.
Our Honor A Champion lets you turn your CIS support into a special moment for someone else.
Honor A Champion 2025
Check back to see the growing list of champions!| Deja Agee Honored by Kalea Barnes Deja is a true champion whose vibrant spirit, enthusiasm, and deep care for the kids she works with continue to inspire everyone around her! Deja's presence and smile truly lights up any room she walks into. | Amy Anderson Honored by David Anderson My mother and first teacher who leads by example. | Sheree Appel Honored by Kathleen Matyas Thank you for being an incredible colleague and friend, and for being the best co-captain for Walking With Purpose-your leadership and kindness inspires everyone! | Anthony Barnes Honored by Kristal Ehrhardt | Kalea Barnes Honored by Felicia Lemons Kalea has been such an amazing asset to our marketing team here at CIS. You are always ready to take on any challenge and grow as our intern. Thank you for being a champion and inspiration for kids! | Dorris Birchmeier Honored by Alexa Tipton | 2025 Edison Academy Retiree Joan Baker Honored by Julie McDonald | Ms. Brooks Liam I, Liam, honor my 4th grade teacher, Ms. Brooks at Winchell Elementary School. | Patricia Carlin Honored by Michelle Serlin | The CIS Afterschool Program staff Honored anonymously Each of these individuals are champions for the commitment they demonstrate to the students served by CIS Kalamazoo. | Jennifer Clark Honored by Sarah Dykgraaf Jennifer, thank you for your unwavering dedication to CIS. Your years of hard work and commitment have a lasting impact on countless young lives, providing them with support that will last a lifetime. | Artrella Cohn Honored by Carolyn Williams Artrella has served as mentor and friend to Ricki Harris for at least 20 years since Ricki was a high school representative to the CIS Board. | Jenna Cooperrider Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein Jenna is a brave and powerful woman whom I’m so lucky to call a friend, I love her sparkle and feel grateful for her everyday. | James Devers Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber His leadership of CIS is so helpful to students in need of success. | Jen Kipka DeWaele Honored by Jeanne Hess Jen is a bright light at Woodward Elementary! Love you and the work that you do, Jen! You continue to inspire me. | Edison Academy Staff Honored by Todd McDonald | April Enicks Honored by Kristal Ehrhardt | Ellen Foley Honored by Linnaea Thomas Thank you for being a champion of all students - young and old! You are making so many amazing opportunities possible for KPS students while teaching future teachers to be the best teachers of the future! | Suzanna Friedmann Honored by Consuelo Shank My sister Suzanna is a Champion because of her perseverance! | Andreea Frew Honored by Frank Rocco Thank you for always going above and beyond for our students, families, and staff at Woodward. Your support sometimes goes unrecognized but your support is always given. We all appreciate everything you do for our community.#teamwoodward | Leatrice Fullerton Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein Leatrice always fights the good fight no matter what, her advocacy and empowerment are vital to our community's solidarity. | Mary Hendricks Honored by Linnaea Thomas Thank you for championing all students and lifting them up with your kindness! You truly embody the gift of learning and every student who knows you knows you care and are cheering them on! | Shannon Jones Honored by Gary Heckman | Kalamazoo Public Schools Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff Honored by Martha Warfield KPS administrators, teachers and support staff who all contribute to the learning environment of students in the district. | Ms. Keyes Honored by Margaret I, Margaret, honor my first grade teacher, Ms. Keyes at Winchell Elementary School. | Joyce Kline Honored by Sherry, Kim and Tiffany You've always been there for us and supported us, and we are so thankful to call you grandma. Love, Sherry, Kim, and Tiffany. | Diane Lang Honored by Cetera DiGiovanni Diane has always been a champion for KPS students. She goes above and beyond to help those in need and doesn’t bat an eye. We are so fortunate to have a person like her supporting the kids in our community. | Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts Teachers & Staff Honored by Linnaea Thomas Thank you for being champions for our students! You make learning fun and help our Falcons fly! | Amy MacMillan Honored by Jenna Paterob Amy MacMillan deeply cares about the success of her students (no matter how long ago they were in her courses)! She's always looking for new opportunities to improve her students' educations and is an inspiring example to women in business. | Jenee McDaniel Honored by Michelle Serlin Jenee McDaniel for her wonderful work in the schools. She was a firmer intern of Choices For Change. | Northglade Montessori Teachers & Staff Honored by Linnaea Thomas Thank you for all being champions for the whole child & each and every student who has the privilege of attending Northglade and being part of the Northglade family! | Chris and Jack Peake Honored by Marcy Peake They raised me to be of service to and empower others. | Richard Phillips Honored by Sarah Husain Mr. Richard Phillips - as the daughter of Gulnar Husain, I would like to congratulate you on your CIS Award! Your dedication & commitment to our students is exceptional! Thanks for all you do for CIS, Sarah Husain Dykgraaf. | Sue Phillips Honored by Linnaea Thomas Thank you for being a champion for children! You lift students up and help them feel confident in themselves! You see the good in every child - and each one knows how much you truly care. | Asusena Ramirez Sanchez Honored by James Devers Thank you for always being there for our family. | Dr. Michael Rice Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber | Rikki Sanders Honored by Kristal Ehrhardt | Shea-Lin Shobowale-Benson Honored by Rashidi Shobowale-Benson For all of the selfless effort you pour into the community and our family! | Dr. Darrin Slade Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber He is a true advocate for all KPS students who really believes all kids can achieve. | 2025 Edison Academy Retiree Marlena Smith Honored by Julie McDonald | 2025 Edison Academy Retiree Linda Spicketts-Lass Honored by Julie McDonald | Gary Start Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber His guidance has given KPS a strong financial foundation that all students will benefit by. | Teachers of Kalamazoo Public Schools Honored by Doreen Thomas For their caring and commitment every day to helping each of their students be successful. | Becky Tipton Honored by Alexa Tipton | Dr. Martha Warfield Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber | Don Webster Honored by Nkenge Bergan |