The Community, an Extension of Communities in Schools of Nevada, Combines Bowling Fun with Mentorship for Local Students
Multi-colored balls rolled down the wooden lanes, sometimes into the gutter and other times landing a strike, as members of The Community, a group of influential professionals that support Communities In Schools of Nevada (CISN), gathered with nearly 40 students assisted by the nation’s leading dropout prevention program for a fun-packed evening at The Silver Nugget Bowling Lanes (Pictured: CISN student at bowling event – Photo credit: David Cherkis).
CISN students and site coordinator
Photo credit: David Cherkis.
Grandparents, parents and siblings looked on as members of The Community and site coordinators challenged the fifth and eighth graders to a game on the lanes. Several first-time bowlers were taught the basics by nearby site coordinators and members or were offered tips and pointers on how to keep the ball straight or bowl a curve. After a few games, the students had caught on, eliciting the cheers of family, receiving high-fives of those they were bowling with and giving adults a run for their money. Throughout the evening, all were laughing and joking while racking up strikes, spares and everything in between.
The Community members with CISN students
Photo credit: David Cherkis.
Attendees enjoyed friendly competition while snacking on pizza, wings and other favorites while discussing everything from school subjects to different hair styles.
The Community members with CISN students
Photo credit: David Cherkis.
As the evening progressed, members of The Community were able to rediscover the benefits of spending time with children. In a city that is non-stop, maintaining a sense of community can be a challenge for busy professionals. While adults taught students how to bowl, students taught adults how to forget the stress of work and the worry of their everyday lives while living in the moment and embrace fun. All left proud of what they had gained through the evening together.
The Community Co-Chairs
Photo credit: David Cherkis.
While the kids continued bowling, members of The Community gathered around tables to hear Amy Rossetti, co-chair of The Community and CISN board member, share the exciting news that Miles Dickson will be joining The Community as a co-chair. Dickson currently serves as principal of The JABarrett Company. His extensive community background includes working with Three Square and as a lobbyist. He has been recognized by The UNLV Foundation and Boyd School of Law for his contributions to the Las Vegas community, and will be a great asset to the organization’s leadership.
The Community members
Photo credit: David Cherkis.
“The Community is thrilled to welcome Miles as a co-chair,” said Rossetti. “His passion for Communities In Schools of Nevada and experience working with non-profits is a great addition to our group of dedicated professionals. The Community looks forward to a year that is sure to be exciting and full of growth.”
As the evening concluded, students had to be dragged away from bowling lanes and new friends by their parents and looked forward to the next opportunity for this positive interaction.
Communities In Schools of Nevada is the local affiliate of the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization and is Nevada’s most effective intervention program. The CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support so they can succeed in school and achieve in life. CIS of Nevada supports nearly 33,000 students at 43 school sites in Southern Nevada and Northeastern Nevada, connecting them with critical services such as medical and dental care, mental health counseling services, food, clothing, tutoring, career exploration, academic development and other programs. CIS uniquely provides the services on campus, with a full-time Site Coordinator to advocate for at-risk students at partner schools. CIS connects community resources to children and youth using a research-proven model that decreases dropout and increases graduation. Nationwide, CIS provides services in 3,400 schools in the most challenged communities, in 27 states and the District of Columbia, benefitting nearly 1.3 million young people and their families every year. For more information, please see our website http://www.cisnevada.org.
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