Esteban: A Full Circle Moment
Communities In Schools® (CIS®) powerful new national public service campaign, "Being Present Matters," shines the light on the epidemic of chronic absenteeism and celebrates the bond between CIS of Southern Nevada former Site Coordinator (now Academy Specialist) Marco Mercado and former student Esteban Montoya-Mendoza.
Marco connected with Esteban in the beginning of his junior year of high school and started working with him on staying motivated and improving his goals. Marco’s friendship and mentorship, combined with Esteban’s hard work, helped Esteban raise his GPA and graduate from Canyon Spring High School in 2024.
Since graduating, Esteban has been working hard to save money for trade school tuition, driven by his goal of becoming a certified electrician.
In November, Marco and Esteban were invited to attend CIS of Nevada's annual fundraiser as guests and featured speakers. During the event, Esteban shared a beautiful speech about his experience in CIS, and as a CIS alum. CIS of Nevada also showcased their involvement in the “Being Present Matters” campaign and roles as the faces of the national PSA promotion.
Esteban’s reflections during the event resonated deeply with all who attended, and he has become an example of what is possible when CIS is present in a student’s life. During his remarks, Esteban reflected about his journey with CIS, and his plans for the future. Working and saving money for school requires determination, and Marco was consistently present to encourage Estaban to keep going and stay positive. That night, event guests were deeply inspired by Esteban’s words and could see Marco’s and Esteban's connection and authentic relationship.
At the end of the evening, a CIS staff member approached Marco with an incredible announcement:
It’s remarkable how driven Esteban is. I think we found someone who wants to match Esteban’s tuition.
It was perfect timing. This match would be enough to achieve Esteban’s goal and allow him to start school. It was a significant moment for Esteban and his career journey and also for Marco who is so incredibly proud of Esteban’s hard work.
Marco was able to deliver the donation directly to the school as a representative of CIS, showing up for Esteban and remaining present when it matters most. Before leaving the registration office, a woman at the front desk told Marco, “Esteban has already registered for classes, and you were the first person he called after enrolling in school.”
Communities In Schools believes that there is no substitute for showing up in school and in life. CIS staff, like Marco, provide support and connections to resources that make all the difference for students. By being present in school, students like Esteban are able to show up for themselves and achieve their dreams.
For many site coordinators, showing up doesn’t stop at graduation. Site coordinators and students stay connected for years. The mentorship and support of a site coordinator is an incredible asset for CIS students and alumni.
I’m very blessed to have been part of this whole process.
-Marco Mercado, CIS of Southern Nevada Academy Specialist
Esteban has already started attending classes at UEI College: Vocational and Trade School where he will study to achieve his dream of becoming an electrician. Read more about Esteban's story.
