ALLENTOWN, Pa. - s4story -- Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) will host its annual Champions for Education celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center in Center Valley. The event will recognize United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley with the Champions for Education Award and induct three new members into CIS of Eastern PA's Leadership Circle: Ed Baldrige, Ellen Kern and Tyler Papaz.

CIS of Eastern PA's Champions for Education celebration honors the individuals, organizations and community partners who help create a network of support around students and families. During the event, CIS of Eastern PA will induct three new members into its Leadership Circle, which honors individuals who have provided transformational leadership and enduring support for CIS of Eastern PA's mission. The inductees include two former board presidents, Ed Baldrige and Tyler Papaz, along with Ellen Kern, a former board member.

More on S For Story

• Birch Tree Publishing Interviews Sumner Wilson
• Jennifer Robin Barr's "Thunder and Mercy" Wins 2026 Grateful American Book Prize
• Coinfiliate Launches Platform to Helps Shoppers Earn Cashback and Creators Earn Referral Rewards
• Holiday Gambling Spending Expected to Rise 12% in December
• Retired Virginia Mayor Releases New Book

"Ed, Ellen and Tyler have each played a central role in shaping CIS of Eastern PA into the organization it is today," said Tim Mulligan, president & CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. "Through their leadership, actions and dedication, they've not only strengthened our board and operations but have directly impacted the lives of thousands of students. It's an honor to recognize their contributions and welcome them into our Leadership Circle."

Alongside the Leadership Circle induction, CIS of Eastern PA will present the Champions for Education Award to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The recognition highlights the role long-term nonprofit partnerships can play in expanding access to the resources, relationships and support systems students need to succeed in school and thrive beyond the classroom.

"Student success is not achieved by one person or organization alone," said Mulligan. "It takes families, educators, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders working together to make sure students have the support systems they need."

More on S For Story

• Great Dane Children's Trilogy Comes to an End
• RAS AP Consulting Issues National Compliance Alert and Launches Q4 2026 AP Readiness Program Ahead of IRS FIRE → IRIS Cutover
• Bewitching Book Tours Conjures the Second Annual Spooktastic Haunted Book Fair
• Claude Zdanow named Managing Director in Miami, Florida
• Birch Tree Publishing Launches as Independent Publishing Imprint

Presented by Olympus (https://www.olympusamerica.com/), Champions for Education will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeSales University Center.

Learn more by visiting: www.ciseasternpa.org/champions

###

About Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 2 million students in 29 states and the District of Columbia. With caring adults serving over 41,000 students in 36 schools throughout Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties, the CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.