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 2026
Check back to see the growing list of champions!| eM Alemán-McAlpine Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein eM is a caring and empathetic individual that meets people where they are at, the true embodiment of loving kindness. | Tinsaye Baert Honored by Chris Werme Tinsaye is a very organized person and works hard to provide students with tools, such as tutors, to help them become successful. | CIS Coordinators in KPS! Honored by Anonymous | Katie Crigger Honored by Linnaea Thomas Katie Crigger at Northglade Montessori. Mrs. Crigger teaches with creativity and compassion and encourages students to be curious, strive for excellence and explore as they learn! My 3 are so lucky to have had her! | James Devers Honored by Abigail Tippin | James Devers Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber Mr. Devers has been a dedicated leader to an incredible CIS staff which benefits every student in KPS. | James Devers Honored by Linnaea Thomas James is a bold leader who works tirelessly with quiet compassion, strong character, and a big heart. CIS and the Kalamazoo community are so fortunate to have him as a champion for students! | Jen DeWaele Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein Jen is a beacon of light and all that is good in the world. I have had the honor of sharing space at Woodward during my volunteer hour weekly and I am in constant awe of her authenticity and service to others. | Kyle Emory Honored by Anonymous Kyle has become one of the top youth basketball coaches in Kalamazoo County, he has made a deeply positive impact in the lives of hundreds of young student-athletes. | Ebony English Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein Ebony is a stellar human who approaches her work with patience. I have learned so much from working with her and admire how she moves and approaches situations, especially the tough ones. | Michelle Jones, John Lehman and Elizabeth McDermat Honored by Liam These teachers at Winchell Elementary School have made a great impression on Liam and have inspired him to keep on learning. | Kids Hope Mentors Honored by Doreen Thomas Kids Hope Mentors show up for their mentees each week offering encouragement, academic support and friendship. | Molly Kinnison Honored by Cetera Washington DiGiovanni I nominated Molly because her passion behind what she does is unmatched. She always goes the extra mile and puts her spin on it. She uses her creativity to keep people engaged and show them how much they are truly appreciated. She’s a ray of sunshine for anyone that comes into contact with her. We as a community are lucky to have someone like Molly advocating for our kids. | Demecia LaBarre Honored by Anonymous | Phillip McIntyre-Sexton Honored by Ellen Foley Mr. Phil - we are so grateful for all that you do to support students at Maple Street. Thank you for always going above and beyond. | Phillip McIntyre-Sexton Honored by James McIntyre and Joanna Hartenstein-McIntyre Phillip, we are proud of you and all you have accomplished - Jim and Jo | Dr. Darrin Slade Honored by Scott and Janet Nykaza Dr. Slade has been an inspiration to those most interested in the welfare of children in our schools and the wish that every child can succeed. | Dr. Darrin Slade Honored by Patti Sholler-Barber Dr. Slade's leadership has been invaluable to CIS and every student in KPS. | Paul Smith Honored by Lindsey Hemmerlein Paul proceeds at the speed of trust, he is a person of integrity that brings great value to our community; I am so grateful to learn from him. | Ron Strzelecki Honored by Stephen and Marlene Denenfeld Ron tutors multiple students at Northeastern Elementary school and he helps coordinate the First Day Shoe Fund program. | Linnaea Thomas Honored by Emily Gardner Linnaea Thomas is a dear friend and champion of our entire community! | Linnaea Thomas Honored by Sophié Van der Westhuizen Linnaea is always working to uplift and connect our community. She is a wonderful example and catalyst for others to also actively participate in and build community, Sincerely, she is a true leader and friend! |