How CIS Helped Shape Leland's Future

Leland, a senior at Iowa Colony High School (ICHS), is preparing for an exciting next chapter. This fall, he plans to attend Southern Nazarene University, with dreams of one day working for NASA. Throughout his journey, Communities In Schools^® (CIS^®) has been a consistent support system, providing encouragement, offering a safe space, and trusted mentorship. Here’s Leland’s story in his own words:

I have always been integrated into CIS. I started out in middle school with my site coordinators, Mrs. Witherspoon and Mrs. Jefferson. It was seven years ago, so to be honest, I don't even remember how I learned about CIS — but I got there and instantly knew I was gonna have fun.

Back then, times were simpler, but not so simple that I felt like I could get through everything on my own. As the oldest child, I always kinda felt responsible for everyone and their safety, never really being able to show my emotions and hiding my real feelings from the world.

CIS became a place I would go to get away from it all — not just because of the games we played, but because it became a place where I could be loud and proud of who I am, and no one would judge me for it because truth be told, everyone in there was a weirdo like me! CIS helped shape me into the man I am today.

When I got to high school, I kinda dropped out of CIS. I felt like I was too busy and didn’t have time for it. Then, during my sophomore year, my parents split up. By that time, CIS was already established in my life, and I felt like I couldn't disrupt the balance I had found — that is, until senior year, where I met Mrs. Bashley.

She came in as the new CIS site coordinator at ICHS, and I got to be the first student she met. Since then, we’ve had numerous conversations about things I hadn't even told my parents yet, just because I knew I could trust her right off the bat — and cause she couldn't ground me.

The bottom line is, CIS is the first place where I felt no judgement and no hate. It’s where I found someone to talk to and get things off my chest that I couldn’t share anywhere else. It’s a support system for those who need it, and it really, really works.

Outside of CIS, Leland is active in the ICHS Fine Arts Department and was recently cast as the lead male role, “The Rabbit,” in Alice by Heart. Known for his perseverance and positive spirit, Leland has made a lasting impression on those around him and will be greatly missed as he steps into a bright future.

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