A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Spring is a season of growth, and our students, volunteers, and community partners are showing just how much can bloom when we work together. This season, we celebrate student achievements like state and national speech victories, the impact of our volunteers in classrooms and with families, and community events such as the Adult Spelling Bee Extravaganza that connect supporters to our mission.
We’re also proud to be highlighted by Chesterfield County Public Schools for our “I See You” simulation, showcasing how CIS-C helps adults understand and remove barriers students face every day. Together, these stories reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child in Chesterfield has the support they need to succeed.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ashley Hall
Executive Director
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: A VOICE THAT LEAVES AN IMPACT
For the past three years, L.C. Bird High School senior Krishelle, who goes by Shelly, has been a Communities In Schools student whose talent, dedication, and growth have continued to stand out both in the classroom and on the stage.
Supported by CIS-C Site Coordinator Stephanie Mardigian, Shelly has developed into an extraordinary competitor in speech, earning first place in every competition she has entered in the Dramatic Interpretation category. Her award-winning 10-minute performance, delivered entirely from memory, is based on Push and its film adaptation Precious. Through the piece, she explores deeply intense and challenging themes with remarkable emotional depth, confidence, and maturity.
Shelly recently performed during a school assembly alongside fellow state champions, where her talent left a lasting impression on her peers. After her performance, two students were overheard saying that Shelly is “going to go far in life” — a reflection of the impact she has when she takes the stage and the bright future others already see in her.
Most recently, Shelly competed in the Class 6A Speech State Championship, where L.C. Bird celebrated a major milestone with four first-place winners, believed to be the school’s first state-level victory in this type of competition.
For Stephanie, Shelly’s accomplishments reflect not only talent, but also the joy of watching a student grow over time through consistent encouragement and support. “Shelly is an absolute delight to work with,” Stephanie shared. “I’m so proud of her!”
Shelly’s success has now earned her a place in two prestigious national competitions. Over Memorial Day weekend, she will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament. In June, she will continue her season at the National Speech and Debate Tournament, hosted this year in Richmond.
As Shelly prepares for the national stage, her journey reflects the power of having caring adults in a student’s corner, helping young people build confidence, pursue their gifts, and believe in what is possible.
HANDS-ON IMPACT WITH ALL SITE VOLUNTEER MONTH
April is National Volunteer Month, a dedicated time to honor the impact of volunteers and encourage community service. At CIS-C we celebrate this time with our All Site Volunteer Month (ASVM) initiative! ASVM is off to a strong start, with volunteers already making a meaningful difference in schools across Chesterfield County.
At Hopkins Elementary School, volunteers spent time with kindergarten students helping them create watercolor artwork, bringing creativity and encouragement into the classroom through hands-on engagement. In addition to working directly with students, volunteers also assembled folders filled with family resources for rising kindergarten families, helping prepare incoming students and caregivers for the 2026–2027 school year.
From supporting classroom experiences to helping families feel equipped for the year ahead, these volunteer efforts reflect the many ways community members help strengthen school communities every day.
Interested in getting involved? It’s not too late to sign up for the events happening the rest of the month! Volunteers can learn more and sign up by clicking here.
SPREADING THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN!
Momentum continues to grow for the Communities In Schools of Chesterfield Adult Spelling Bee Extravaganza, which recently took the spotlight on Virginia This Morning as Executive Director Ashley Hall joined event host Jon Burkett to preview what promises to be a memorable evening of fun and philanthropy.
Hosted on Saturday, May 2 at Wrexham Hall from 6-9 PM as a lively cocktail-style fundraiser, the event will feature interactive entertainment, raffle prizes from more than 20 local businesses, food and drinks, a photobooth, caricatures, and plenty of buzz-worthy moments throughout the night. Guests can join a spelling team from their table or simply enjoy the atmosphere while supporting local students and school communities across Chesterfield.
General admission tickets are available for $100. Coming with a group? Buy 8 tickets and get 1 FREE. Purchase tickets here.
All proceeds support nearly 15,000 students across 16 Chesterfield schools, helping ensure they have the relationships and resources they need to thrive.
With special thanks to our event sponsors: Dominion Energy, Super Radiator Coils, Google, TowneBank, Audacy, Fuel & 19RED, Atlantic Constructors, LLC., Bryant & Stratton College, FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company, Wesco, and Anthem (Sponsor list current as of April 9, 2026.)
CCPS SPOTLIGHTS CIS-C "I SEE YOU" SIMULATION
Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) recently highlighted Communities In Schools of Chesterfield in a story about the “I See You” simulation, an interactive experience designed to help adults understand the challenges students living in poverty face every day.
Teachers, school staff, local leaders, and community partners participated, stepping into a student’s shoes and experiencing the barriers — both academic and personal — that can impact learning and well-being. The simulation illustrated the vital role CIS-C Site Coordinators play in removing those barriers, connecting students to the support they need to succeed.
Read the full CCPS story here.
CIS-C RESOURCE CORNER
Celebrate Earth Day at the fourth-annual Chesterfield Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 11, from 12–4 p.m. at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road). This free, family-friendly event features outdoor activities, live demonstrations, a Touch-A-Truck area, a kids’ play zone, food trucks, and a shredding event.
Join a litter pickup at 10 a.m. or learn ways to reduce waste, recycle, and care for our natural resources. It’s a fun, hands-on way for families and community members to celebrate the planet together.
To learn more about this event, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.gov/earthdayfestival