Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada (CIS of Southern Nevada), part of the nation’s leading evidence-based dropout prevention organization, recently celebrated three outstanding students at its annual Power Within event—recognizing young people who have overcome significant barriers and demonstrated remarkable growth during the 2025–2026 school year. Serving 70,000 students across 75 schools in Southern Nevada, CIS of Southern Nevada works directly inside schools to connect students with the resources, relationships and support systems they need to stay in school and succeed in life. Each year, Power Within shines a spotlight on students whose journeys reflect resilience and transformation. This year’s honorees include students representing elementary, middle and high school levels, each with a powerful story of purpose and hope.
About the Power Within honorees:
- Alejandro “Alex” Villanueva, 12th grade, Chaparral High School – What began as a difficult freshman year marked by personal loss, mental health challenges, and uncertainty has evolved into a story of strength and leadership. After connecting with CIS early in high school, Villanueva found a safe and supportive space where he could begin to process challenges and rebuild confidence. Villanueva plans to attend Southern Utah University and has already received a financial aid package.
- Ruby Hernandez, 8th grader, Bailey Middle School – Watch Ruby’s story below to see why Ailani Navarro, site coordinator at Bailey Middle School, nominated this student for her resilience and hard work.
- Santino Laporte, 5th grader, Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary School – Cristina Torres, site coordinator at Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary School, nominated Santino for his remarkable growth and leadership skills after meeting him. Watch his story below.
The nonprofit also named Burgundi Wright, a CIS site coordinator at Canyon Springs High School, as the Martin Serrano “Unsung Hero of the Year” in recognition of over 10 years of serving students and families. The “Unsung Hero of the Year” award is named after Serrano, a CIS site coordinator who made a lasting, positive impact on hundreds of students who turned to him during his time with the organization. Like Serrano, recipients find ways to invest in the success of the community, take time to understand the values of the people we serve and recognize the strength and impact that comes from positive relationships.
In celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of our students, each Power Within honoree received a $1,000 contribution from Foundation XNL along with a $529 deposit from the Nevada State Treasury into a 529 college savings account. This partnership was made possible by the generosity of Foundation XNL and NVIGATE—powered by the Nevada State Treasury.
In addition, Aristocrat awarded our winning senior a $2,500 scholarship to support their next steps after graduation. This contribution reflects a shared commitment to ensuring students are not only recognized for their achievements today, but also equipped with the resources and support needed to pursue their goals beyond high school.
Power Within recognized the following partners for their remarkable contributions to CIS and our students:
- Academy Teacher of the Year – Roberto Lopez, Sunrise Mountain High School
- #AllInForKids Champion/Corporate Partner of the Year – Senator Joyce Woodhouse
- Programmatic Partner of the Year – Three Square Food Bank
- Principal of the Year – Dr. Jodi Notch, Cozine Elementary School
A special thank you to this year’s Power Within co-presenting sponsors, Cox Communications and NV Energy Foundation, as well as Aristocrat, our “Whatever It Takes” sponsor.
