Nick Saban Presents Award to Adam Chamberlain at Choose Success Dinner
In a notable event celebrating educational success and community involvement, former college football coach Nick Saban presented the prestigious Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award to Adam Chamberlain, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, during the annual Choose Success Awards Dinner. This event was held in Atlanta and successfully attracted nearly 300 influential figures from various sectors, including business, philanthropy, and civic engagement, all gathered to support the critical mission of Communities In Schools of Atlanta (CIS of Atlanta).
The Chris Brown from CIS of Atlanta expressed gratitude for the commitment to education that Chamberlain and his partners have displayed. He made an important statement: "When we are present for our students, they are far more likely to stay in school and graduate." This remark reflects the organization's dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or ZIP code, has access to a quality education.
Adam Chamberlain was recognized for his relentless advocacy for educational equity, which has enabled CIS of Atlanta to thrive. Under his leadership, Mercedes-Benz USA has made significant strides toward empowering youth through initiatives such as the 'Driving Your Future' program. "We dedicate our efforts to preparing students for long-term success and equipping them with vital resources needed to excel inside and outside the classroom," stated Chamberlain, emphasizing the company's commitment to educational empowerment.
Roark, a company dedicated to expanding access to student resources in the Atlanta area, was also honored with the Corporate Partner Award during the ceremony. Allison Hill, Roark's Chief Social Impact Officer, underscored the alignment of their mission with the needs of youth, stating, "Supporting young people aligns directly with Roark's mission of Helping People and Companies Reach Their Potential. Lasting impact is created through sustained commitment and meaningful investment."
The CIS of Atlanta serves over 41,000 students across six school districts, working tirelessly to address both academic and socio-emotional needs. Their model focuses on embedding dedicated support staff within schools, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes. During the previous school year, an impressive 99% of the caseload students remained in school, and 97% either graduated or were promoted to the next grade.
The evening also recognized outstanding students from different educational levels: High School Student of the Year, Mya Harris from Tri-Cities High School; Middle School Student of the Year, Demir Williams from Bunche Middle School; and Elementary School Student of the Year, Dequan Woodard from West Clayton Elementary School. In addition, Khari Crooms was named Alumnus of the Year, showcasing CIS of Atlanta's commitment to not just current students but also to its graduates who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Communities In Schools of Atlanta, established in 1972, stands as a leading dropout prevention organization within the country, aiming to map students' academic journeys through robust support networks. Their mission is simple yet profound: to empower students and create a community of support that helps them achieve lasting success in life.
For more information on the organization's impactful work, visit
CIS Atlanta's Website. Through events like the Choose Success Awards dinner, Communities In Schools of Atlanta continues to shine a light on the importance of community involvement in enriching the educational landscape of metro Atlanta and beyond.