After a one-year hiatus, we are excited to share that one of our favorite traditions is returning. The South Bend Education Alliance is proud to bring back the Great Friends of Schools Breakfast — a celebration of the people and partners who make our work for students and educators possible.

Please save the date: April 28, 2026, at the beautiful Palais Royale. Invitations and more event details will be shared soon.

This year’s breakfast will include some meaningful and exciting changes. We will hear directly from Superintendent Eid as he delivers a State of the Schools update, offering insight into the progress, priorities, and opportunities ahead for South Bend Community Schools. We will also have the honor of recognizing our 2025–2026 grant awardees — the educators whose innovative ideas and commitment are creating powerful learning experiences for students across the district.

This event is truly about gratitude. It is our opportunity to say thank you to the businesses, donors, volunteers, and community champions who stand beside us in investing in educators and experiences that help every South Bend Community Schools student thrive. Your support turns ideas into opportunities and makes a lasting difference in our schools.

We look forward to gathering again, celebrating together, and highlighting the impact you help make possible every day.

With gratitude,

Kris Arizmendi Choinacky,

Executive Director

RILEY DRAMA TAKES THE STAGE

AT STATE COMPETITION

The Riley Drama Club is making history — and it’s a story of resilience, leadership, and student talent. Under the guidance of Riley theater teacher Meghan Beard, the program has grown into something truly special. After the closure of Clay High School, the SBCSC Performing Arts Magnet found a new home at Riley just one year ago, bringing together students from both schools and building a unified troupe from the ground up.

This year marked the group’s first time establishing a Thespian troupe and competing at regionals — and they didn’t just participate, they excelled. Their performance earned second place, advancing them to the state competition at the end of January. Even more meaningful, this is the first time Riley High School has ever been represented at this level.

What began as a transition could have been a setback, but through dedication and vision, this group of students — led by Ms. Beard — has become a powerful example of what can grow from change. We are so proud to support these talented performers as they take the state stage. 🎭

SUPPORTING CLASSROOMS, ONE WISHLIST AT A TIME

The SBEA was thrilled to provide over $16,000 in classroom support through SBEA Teacher Wishlists this past November, December, and January — and there’s still more to come in 2026! In Indiana, teachers spend an average of $500 out of pocket each year on classroom supplies. Our program helps change that by allowing educators to create Wishlists of supplies, learning tools, books, games, and other resources that enhance their lessons — and the SBEA purchases and delivers these items directly to their classrooms.

This year’s Teacher Wishlists are generously supported by the AEP Foundation, United Way, Comcast, and our many amazing donors.

Marquette Montessori teacher Kiasha Jones requested new hands-on materials for her students, sharing:

"This wishlist has granted my students the opportunity to continue learning and growing in an environment with beautiful material and manipulatives."

South Bend native and Adams High School graduate October London brought his soulful R&B sound to the Morris Performing Arts Center on January 24, thrilling the audience with his classic, Marvin Gaye-inspired sound. Signed to Death Row Records by Snoop Dogg, London rose to prominence with his 2023 album The Rebirth of Marvin and the hit single Back to Your Place.

In partnership with the SBEA, 120 SBCSC high school students and educators had the special opportunity to attend the concert. Attendees were treated to October London’s amazing performance, as well as a guest appearance by Snoop Dogg, making it a night to remember for the next generation of music lovers.

We love to hear about our amazing alumni! Connect with SBEA by contacting Kris Arizmendi Choinacky at kchoinacky@sb.school

South Bend Community School Corporation seniors: applications are now open for the 2026 South Bend Education Alliance scholarships! Three $5,000 awards are available to help you pursue higher education.

Scholarships:

• Connie S. Varga Scholarship – For female seniors who demonstrate service, leadership, and academic excellence.

• Jack M. Champaigne Scholarship – For seniors planning to attend Purdue University, honoring innovation and community impact.

• South Bend Education Alliance Scholarship – For seniors showing academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and a commitment to community growth.

Apply Now: Scholarships are open January 2026. Learn more and apply: https://southbendeducationalliance.org/scholarships

GIVE BACK TO OUR SCHOOLS!

Donations play a vital role in our the work of the SBEA, funding

programs for students and teachers in the

South Bend Community School Corporation. 

CONNECT WITH ALUMNI