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
Lupita
Lupita is a leader in the classroom and in her girls group, led by CIS Student Supports Manager Liz. This year, Lupita worked with Liz to find some healthy ways to cope with her emotions and express herself, and she ended the year strong. “Lupita embodies the spirit of the Tenacity Award because she did not give up on herself,” Liz said.
India
When CIS Student Supports Manager Katie first started meeting with India, she suffered from symptoms of anxiety, which created barriers for her socially and academically. With Katie’s support, India has grown in her confidence, improved her grades and attendance, and has even built stronger connections with her peers.
Semaj
Semaj is interested in fashion design and entrepreneurship, but at the beginning of the school year, he needed some help with academic motivation. He joined Student Supports Manager Olivia’s life skills group and gained skills to cope with daily stressors and resources for self-care. “He hasn’t give up,” Olivia said. “He is open and kind and tries to improve.”
Jailyn
With hard work, determination, and support from his CIS Student Supports Manager Sarah, Jailyn made progress on his goals. Check out how he says he felt when he received the award and why he thinks it’s important to have organizations like CIS at his school.
Jorge
Jorge worked with his CIS Student Supports Manager Juanita to gain strategies for improving his conduct in the classroom, and he made huge progress on his goals. Jorge not only graduated with honors; he also developed stronger relationships with his teachers. “Jorge is willing to do his work daily,” one teacher said. “He takes pride in his work.”
Kat
Kat is part of Becoming the Best Me, a self-esteem and positivity group led by Student Supports Manager Jeanette. The group provides Kat with the space to develop her social skills and grow in her confidence. “I feel proud of myself for achieving this award,” Kat said, “because not only have I seen growth in myself, but so have my teachers and peers.”
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.