Congratulations to Kathy!

Meadowbrook High School, Class of 2025

For Kathy, a member of Meadowbrook High School’s class of 2025, the road to graduation came with a few unexpected detours, but with focus, resilience, and the support of Communities In Schools of Chesterfield (CIS-C) she stayed the course and is proudly celebrating this milestone.

A lifelong Chesterfield resident and the second oldest of five siblings, Kathy has always balanced school with her passions. She plays soccer and works as a host at a local Mexican restaurant, building both teamwork and responsibility into her daily routine. Her time on the soccer field paid off this year when she was named an All County Player, a recognition she’s especially proud of.

What many didn’t see behind the scenes was the academic hurdle she faced heading into her senior year. Kathy didn’t realize she was in the “red zone”—in danger of not graduating—until Dr. Hale, her CIS Site Coordinator, sat down with her to help make a plan. She had missed two SOLs from her junior year, and without passing them, graduation was out of reach.

With Dr. Hale’s encouragement and guidance, Kathy committed to attending SOL remediation and completing the missed exams. “Dr. Hale made sure I was in class and helped me stay on track,” Kathy said. “She’s a good person to talk to and gives great advice.”

Dr. Hale also helped with practical matters—like securing Kathy’s cap and gown—and inspired her to start thinking more seriously about her future, especially when it came to her dream career in real estate. “She talked to me about the future and made sure I never gave up,” Kathy shared.

After graduation, Kathy plans to earn her real estate license, with the long-term goal of starting a business and eventually building her own home. She also hopes to continue playing soccer and to travel the world—something she’s always dreamed of. More than anything, Kathy wants a future filled with peace and less stress.

With big dreams and a strong support system behind her, Kathy is ready for what comes next. Thanks to her determination—and the steady support of CIS-C—she’s stepping confidently into the future she’s worked so hard to create.

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!

Kathy with CIS Site Coordinator Dr. Erica Hale