This year's award recipient is Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District.

This year, the Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CISEasternPA) Champion of Education award returns. This award recognizes a recipient for excellence in education services as well as support and collaboration with the organization. On Thursday, May 26th, 2022, at Historic Laros Estate in Bethlehem, the non-profit organization will award the 2022 Champion of Education Award to Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD).

CISEasternPA’s partnership with BASD dates back to 2006 but has grown since 2010, when Dr. Roy started with the district. Dr. Roy and the BASD participate in a “Roadmap to Educational Excellence” program that unifies the 22 district school management and provides equity in children's support to achieve academic excellence. BASD has created a powerful partnership with CISEasternPA for several years now. With BASD and CISEasternPA’s commitment to providing a supportive home and school environment for children to learn and become proactive members of society, Roy knew they could achieve. CISEasternPA admired his drive and ability to address need-based challenges and find resolutions.

"We are thrilled to honor Dr. Roy as the Communities In Schools Champion of Education for 2022,” explained Tim Mulligan, CEO of CISEasternPA. “This award places a spotlight on educational leaders who prioritize student needs, work for equity and justice, and lead student success in the classroom and beyond. We appreciate that Dr. Roy and his team identified CIS as a key partner in the BASD Roadmap to Educational Excellence. We applaud the advances they’ve made in grade-level reading, and creating the conditions for vibrant and engaging schools focused on student-centered learning.”

In addition to his work at BASD, Dr. Roy also contributes his talents to many non-profit organizations as a board member for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Da Vinci Science Center, Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley, Foundation for the BASD, and the Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board.

Story by Communities in School Eastern PA