Taking Flight: Celebrating the Future of 110 Graduating Seniors
This spring, Communities In Schools® (CIS®) of Atlanta didn't just celebrate graduations — they celebrated futures.
Across two milestone events, CIS of Atlanta honored the Class of 2026 with the kind of send-off that only comes from years of showing up: site coordinators and a network of support at the ready, built on the belief that every student deserves a caring adult, cheering them on.
Taking Flight: The Future Flyers Program
For the first time ever, CIS of Atlanta launched its Future Flyers Program — a two-year program focused on college and career readiness, designed to help seniors land with confidence after high school.
The results speak for themselves. Of 110 participating seniors:
- 97 students will be attending college in the fall
- 6 students will enlist in the armed forces
- 7 students will enter the workforce
Looking ahead, the upcoming graduation celebration for the Class of 2026 marks another milestone: it will be the first Future Flyers class, setting a new standard for what post-high school readiness can look like.
We are extremely proud of all of our scholars and the unique paths they are choosing to pursue after graduation. No matter where their journey leads, each student knows that the support of Communities In Schools of Atlanta will continue long after high school graduation.
-Nicole Bush, Associate Director of Partnerships, CIS of Atlanta
IGNITE: A Night to Remember
On May 7th, CIS of Atlanta hosted its annual alumni induction ceremony — IGNITE — welcoming 110 graduating seniors into the CIS of Atlanta Alumni Association.
This year's theme, "From Atlanta to Anywhere," was more than a tagline. It was a declaration. These students are heading to college campuses, military bases, and workplaces across the country, carrying with them the resilience and skills they've built over years of hard work — and the knowledge that CIS of Atlanta is still in their corner.
Following the ceremony, seniors will connect with CIS of Atlanta team members Nicole Bush and J'Mia Byrd over the summer for personalized conversations about their transition — whether that's navigating college life, entering the workforce, or stepping into military service.
Membership in the CIS of Atlanta Alumni Association means these students aren't just leaving — they're joining something bigger. They become part of a growing alumni family that stretches across the entire CIS network, bound by shared experience and mutual support.
A Story of Long-Term Impact: Justin Ayiih
No single story captured the spirit of the evening quite like that of Justin Ayiih.
On the very same day as the IGNITE ceremony, Justin walked across another stage — this one at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Justin has been part of Communities In Schools of Atlanta since middle school. Receiving his college diploma on the same day his peers were inducted into the alumni association was a powerful, full-circle moment — proof of what determination, long-term mentorship and consistent support can make possible.
And Justin is just getting started. This summer, he will join the Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation Inc. as a Data Analyst Intern through Partnerships for Innovation.
His story is a testament to what CIS of Atlanta has always believed: that the right support, sustained over time, can change the entire arc of a life.
What Comes Next
For 110 seniors, the journey continues. For CIS of Atlanta, so does the work.
Whether students are heading to college, enlisting in service of their country, or stepping directly into a career, CIS of Atlanta will be there — celebrating their wins, helping navigate the challenges, and reminding them that they are never alone in their next steps.
From Atlanta to anywhere — the Class of 2026 is ready. And they're not going alone.
Learn more about CIS of Atlanta.
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