Communities In Schools' Founder William Milliken Named an Outstanding Achiever by the Lab School of Washington

Milliken Honored for Overcoming a Learning Disability to Become One of the Country's Leading Youth Advocates

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities In Schools, the nation's largest dropout prevention organization, is proud to announce that its founder, William Milliken was honored as one of the Lab School of Washington's 2009 Outstanding Achievers with Disabilities. The award was presented at the Lab School's 25th Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C.

"As someone who has suffered from a learning disability all his life, I am here because of caring adults like those here at the Lab School. With a strong presence in their lives, young people can grow up to achieve both in school and in life," said Milliken.

Milliken was honored along with actress Lara Flynn Boyle and author Jonathan Mooney. Vice President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker at the event. Founded in 1967, the Lab School of Washington helps young people with learning disabilities overcome their challenges through innovative approaches to education.

Communities In Schools is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization, working in more than 3,200 K-12 public schools. Founded in 1977, Communities In Schools is headquartered in Arlington, Va. Today, more than 1.3 million young people annually receive direct services through nearly 200 Communities In Schools local affiliates in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Between 80-90 percent of Communities In Schools' tracked students show improvement in academic achievement, attendance, behavior and promotion to the next grade level. Visit our website at www.communitiesinschools.org.

SOURCE Communities In Schools