*Communities In Schools of Michigan Shoots for the Stars at the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner*
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Some events raise funds. Some events celebrate accomplishments. And then there are events that do both while inspiring an entire community to dream bigger. That was the story of the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner hosted by Communities In Schools of Michigan (CISM).

Held at the elegant The Henry Hotel in Dearborn, this year’s annual gathering embraced a celestial theme appropriately titled “Shoot for the Stars.” From the moment guests arrived for the cocktail reception to the final moments of the after-hours celebration, the evening served as a powerful reminder of what happens when educators, advocates, donors, and community leaders unite around a shared mission: helping students succeed.

And by all accounts, the mission was accomplished.
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*An Evening Built Around Impact*

Every year, Communities In Schools of Michigan brings together supporters from across the state to celebrate the work being done to remove barriers to learning for students facing challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

The Leadership in Education Dinner has become one of the organization’s signature events, providing an opportunity to recognize educators, community partners, and champions who work tirelessly to help young people thrive. This year’s event elevated that tradition with a theme that encouraged attendees to look beyond today’s challenges and focus on tomorrow’s possibilities.

The atmosphere was filled with energy from the very beginning. Guests gathered during the cocktail hour and networking reception, reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new supporters, and sharing stories about the students and schools that inspire their work. Conversations filled the room as educators, business leaders, nonprofit partners, and community advocates came together with a common purpose.

While the evening offered plenty of opportunities for celebration, the heart of the event remained focused on impact.
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*Stories That Matter*

One of the most powerful aspects of any Communities In Schools event is the storytelling. Numbers and statistics help explain the need, but stories reveal the human side of the mission.

Throughout the dinner program, attendees heard firsthand accounts of how Communities In Schools of Michigan is helping students overcome obstacles that can stand in the way of educational success. From addressing basic needs and improving attendance to providing mentorship and connecting families with critical resources, the organization continues to create pathways for students to reach their full potential.

Each story served as a reminder that success in education rarely happens alone. It takes teachers. It takes families. It takes mentors. It takes community partners. And it takes organizations willing to step in and provide support when students need it most.

The evening celebrated those partnerships while highlighting the extraordinary difference they make every day across Michigan.
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*Reaching for the Moon*

The celestial theme wasn’t simply decorative—it reflected the ambitious spirit of the organization and the people who support it. Guests embraced the “Galaxy Glam” dress code with enthusiasm, bringing sparkle, shimmer, and creativity to the evening. The room felt appropriately star-filled as supporters gathered beneath the theme of reaching higher and aiming further for Michigan’s students. The symbolism couldn’t have been more fitting.

Communities In Schools of Michigan has spent years helping young people pursue goals that sometimes seem out of reach. Whether it’s graduating high school, attending college, entering the workforce, or overcoming personal challenges, the organization believes every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. That belief was woven throughout every moment of the evening.

The event wasn’t just about celebrating what has already been accomplished; it was about investing in what comes next.
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*Community Makes the Difference*

One of the recurring themes throughout the evening was the power of community. No single organization can solve every challenge facing students today. Real progress happens when schools, nonprofits, businesses, donors, volunteers, and community leaders work together toward a common goal.

The Leadership in Education Dinner showcased exactly what that collaboration looks like. Sponsors provided critical support. Donors invested in future opportunities. Advocates amplified the mission. Community leaders demonstrated their commitment to educational success. Together, they helped create an evening that will have an impact long after the final dessert was served.

The funds raised during the event directly support Communities In Schools of Michigan programs that help remove barriers to learning and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. As educational needs continue to grow across the state, those investments become even more important. Every dollar raised helps create opportunities for students who deserve every chance to succeed.
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*A Night to Remember*

As the evening came to a close, attendees stayed to enjoy music, desserts, and continued conversations with fellow supporters. There was a sense of celebration in the room, but also a sense of momentum.

The work continues. The need remains. And the community remains committed.

Reflecting on the evening’s success, Communities In Schools of Michigan President and CEO Mallory DePrekel expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and supporters who made the event possible. Her message perfectly captured the spirit of the night.

“You helped us shoot for the stars, and we’ve reached for the moon.”

It’s a fitting sentiment for an organization that spends every day helping students believe bigger things are possible.
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*Looking Ahead*

If the 2026 Leadership in Education Dinner demonstrated anything, it’s that Michigan’s students have an incredible network of supporters standing behind them.

Communities In Schools of Michigan continues to prove that when communities invest in students, remarkable things happen. The evening celebrated achievements, strengthened partnerships, and raised critical resources—but perhaps most importantly, it reinforced a simple truth: when people come together to support young people, the possibilities are limitless.

And sometimes, reaching for the stars is just the beginning.