Recognizing Students’ Tenacity
Each spring, Communities In Schools of Chicago recognizes public-school students who have made huge progress on their attendance, behavior, grades, or social and emotional skills with a CIS Tenacity Award.
Since 2014, CIS of Chicago has presented a Tenacity Award to more than 230 tenacious students across the city. Tenacity Award winners represent one student at each of CIS of Chicago’s Intensive school sites who received individual CIS case management services, set goals, and made progress.
At the beginning of the school year, CIS Intensive team members help students create plans for staying in school and staying on track.
Some students set goals around coming to school on time. Some set goals for improving their math or science grades. Some want to gain strategies for managing their emotions. At the end of the school year, CIS Intensive team members select one student at their school who has made tremendous progress.
Students receiving a CIS Tenacity Award are recognized in May and June with a personalized celebration at their school. Each winner receives a certificate of achievement, a gift card, an iconic “tenacious” T-shirt, and a small ceremony with friends, family, teachers, and school leaders.
This Year's Tenacity Award Winners
The Tenacity Awards celebrate students who have persevered and have overcome significant challenges to achieve in school, with the help of a CIS Intensive team member – and the support of their teachers and school communities.
In 2025, the Carnahan Family Tenacity Awards were presented to:
Sophia
Acero Charter Schools – Brighton Park
Belinda
Acero Charter Schools – Rufino Tamayo
Amari
Art In Motion
Anamate
Lázaro Cárdenas Elementary School
Aleida
Chávez Multicultural Academic Center
Zakhia
CICS – Ralph Ellison
Yadiel
CICS – West Belden
Nakiyah
Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School
Nayala
Henry Clay Elementary School
Ivy
Marie Curie Metro High School
Alyssa
Darwin Elementary
Samyrah
Noble – DRW High School
Leah
John F. Eberhart Elementary School
Bridget
David G. Farragut Career Academy High School
Caleb
Alexander Graham Elementary
Ana Victoria
Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
Gabriel
Stephen K. Hayt Elementary School
Javian
Helen M. Hefferan Elementary School
Salma
Little Village High School – Infinity
Yudani
Logan Square Elementary School
De’Anquan
Stephen T. Mather High School
Joshua
William P. Nixon Elementary School
Raquel
North Lawndale College Prep – Christiana
Steven
North Lawndale College Prep – Collins
Jessenia
Phoenix Military Academy High School
Elena
Pilsen Community Academy
Kameron
Rowe Elementary School
Vario
Saucedo Elementary Scholastic Academy
Nathalie
Smyser Elementary School
Laila
Noble – UIC College Prep
John
Jacqueline B. Vaughn Occupational High School
Hali
George Washington High School
Peggy
Daniel Webster Elementary School
Tyler
Oliver Westcott School
MEET A FEW OF THE STUDENT WINNERS
Vario
Vario, an eighth grader, started working with CIS’ Juanita more than six years ago. Juanita provided Vario with tailored, one-on-one support throughout elementary school and always believed in his unlimited potential. Vario graduated eighth grade with improved grades and behavior.
Nayala
Nayala set strong goals at the beginning of the year to improve her attendance and grades, and with the help of Karen, our CIS team member based at her school, Nayala made huge progress. This year, she also participated in Karen’s eighth grade group, where she built connections and community with her peers.
Laila
At the beginning of the school year, Laila set strong goals to prioritize her grades, and with Ms. Huntleigh’s support, she worked hard to show up for herself and learn new skills. According to Laila, building trust with Ms. Huntleigh was one of the keys to her success this year.
Steven
Steven set strong goals at the beginning of the school year, and with the help of his Student Supports Manager, Ms. O., he persevered and made tremendous progress. Steven said he can talk about anything with Ms. O., and when he’s feeling down, she helps him feel better about the steps he’s taken to reach his goals.
Sophie
When CIS Student Supports Manager Jackie began working with seventh grader Sophie, she took time to build trust. Jackie helped Sophie improve her communication skills and advocate for her needs in the school building. According to Jackie, Sophie demonstrates strength and vulnerability in her words and actions.
Kameron
Seventh grader Kameron has made huge progress with his grades throughout the school year. He has worked with CIS Student Supports Manager Jacob on emotional regulation, positive decision-making skills, and asking for help when he needs it. Kameron is also an active member in Jacob’s boys’ group.
In The News
We are inspired by the stories of our tenacious students, and so are our media partners. Check out some of the past coverage of the Tenacity Awards at the links below.
- In 2022, Rob Elgas of ABC-7 interviewed Tenacity Award winner Jocelyn, along with her mother Rosa and her CIS Student Supports Manager Juanita. Jocelyn shared the progress she’s made with Juanita’s help, and Mrs. Ventura shared what Juanita’s support has meant for the entire family. Watch here.
- In 2020, Bernie Tafoya of WBBM Newsradio interviewed Field Supervisor Paul Fagen and one of the honorees, Victorious, about what it means to win this award. “I think it was an amazing step in my life ’cause I wasn’t expecting it,” Victorious said. “I was surprised.” Listen here.
- In 2019, Sarah Karp of WBEZ Chicago Public Radio reported on the Tenacity Awards and the story of Roselyn, our recipient at Saucedo Elementary. Read here.