Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS), part of the nation’s leading evidence-based stay-in-school organization serving 118 schools in the Clark, Elko, Humboldt and Washoe County school districts, has announced the 2025 recipient of the Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship. A four-year scholarship specifically for CIS case-managed high school seniors, the scholarship awards a student who has overcome significant obstacles and barriers to stay in school, achieve and earn a high school diploma.
This year’s scholarship recipient and winner is Beatrice (Precious) Ross, a soon-to-be graduate from Clark High School. The announcement comes on the heels of Wynn’s passing last month and our ongoing commitment to honoring her contributions, especially the education sector which Wynn served as an unwavering champion and relentless advocate for over two decades.
Ross will be awarded up to a total of $10,000, paid in increments of up to $2,500 each year for over four years. Nominated by site coordinator Cassandra Manoogian, Ross has triumphed over immense personal challenges with resilience and determination. With strength and a positive mindset, she will join the graduating Class of 2025 to receive her high school diploma later this month. Ross’ future continues to look bright as she plans to pursue a career in law.
CIS received 81 applications for this year’s Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship. The application included a personal essay, about how post-secondary school will contribute to the student’s academic and/or career goals and what drives them to pursue post-secondary education.
Ross stated in her essay that she wants to become a lawyer because she’s seen firsthand how circumstances beyond one’s control can dictate their opportunities in life. “I want to be the person who fights for those who feel unheard and ensure that justice is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a right for all,” she said.
The scholarship, paid directly to the educational institution, is renewed yearly and can be used for full-time enrollment in an accredited college, university, community college or trade school. Renewal and yearly payments are contingent on meeting scholastic requirements including a 2.0 GPA and continued academic progress demonstrated in transcripts that are provided every semester.
“Precious is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and hope—the very qualities Elaine championed throughout her life,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and state director, Communities In Schools of Nevada. “Naming her the recipient of the Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship is not just a recognition of Precious’ strength, but a tribute to Elaine’s vision of what’s possible when students are given the support they deserve. Elaine believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and I know she would be incredibly proud to see Precious step into her future with such purpose and promise.”
The Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship was established in honor of Elaine Wynn in 2021. It is sustained through generous contributions from supporters who share her commitment to student success. For over two decades, she was actively engaged with CIS National, the organization that serves 2 million children in more than 3,460 schools in 29 states, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A member of the national board since 1999, Wynn was elected chairperson in 2007, a position she proudly held until her passing in April 2025. An indomitable crusader for children’s welfare and an influential philanthropist, her commitment to improving children’s lives through education engaged her in numerous leadership roles at local, state, and national levels. More about the Elaine P. Wynn Stronger Together Scholarship can be found at cisnevada.org/strongertogether.
