Congratulations to Alex!

L.C. Bird High School, Class of 2025

When Alex arrived at L.C. Bird High School, he was one credit short of senior status—only because in the previous state he lived in, he had already been considered a senior. This spring, he walked across the graduation stage—an achievement he credits not only to his determination, but also to the guidance and encouragement he received from Communities In Schools of Chesterfield (CIS-C) and Site Coordinator Stephanie Mardigian.

Alex’s path to graduation has crossed several states. He grew up in Miami until age 13, moved to Arizona, and eventually settled in Virginia at 17. For Alex, change has never been a problem—so long as he’s with family, he feels at home. With three biological siblings, four step-siblings, and a deep sense of loyalty to those he loves, family remains at the center of everything he does.

Outside of school, Alex has a creative spirit. He’s fascinated by world cultures and mythology and spends his free time developing basic video games, but hopes to move on to more complex first-person games in the future.

Academically, it took support and strategy to get where he is now. “When I got to Bird, I was one credit short from being a senior,” Alex explained. Ms. Mardigian helped him make a plan and guided him through the steps to meet that credit requirement, even helping him complete a PACE class under deadline, a program through CCPSOnline that helps students gain or recover credits needed for graduation. It’s a milestone they both agree was a big deal. Since then, Alex steadily raised his GPA and built confidence in his academic ability.

What made the difference? “It’s nice knowing you have someone cheering for you in the background,” Alex said. Whether he needed help with classwork or mental health challenges, Ms. Mardigian was there—ready to listen, offer perspective, and help him find a solution.

One moment stands out especially. Amid family difficulties, Alex’s mom asked him to decide where they should live next. That heavy question left him overwhelmed—until Ms. Mardigian gave him the reassurance he needed to speak up. “She told me that’s not something I should have to worry about,” Alex recalls. “She gave me the confidence to talk to my mom, and I felt good about my ability to do so.”

After graduation, Alex will attend trade school for HVAC. A hands-on career suits his strengths, and with a connection through his stepfather’s brother-in-law, he’s already thinking about how to break into the industry—and eventually start his own company.

Long term, Alex dreams of exploring the world but ultimately wants to settle near his family. He hopes to buy a home, start a family of his own, and make enough to ensure his parents and siblings are comfortable and cared for.

Through resilience, self-reflection, and the support of CIS-C, Alex has not only earned his diploma—he’s found direction, strength, and a powerful sense of purpose.

You can be a part of future students’ graduation success! To invest in the class of 2026, make your donation to Communities In Schools of Chesterfield today!

Read about all of our CIS Class of 2025 Graduates by clicking here.

Alex with CIS Site Coordinator Stephanie Mardigian