Eighth grader Paige Lowery has come a long way since the 6th grade, when she missed almost 40 days of school, was written up for "having a mouth," was suspended for hitting a teacher with a ball of paper and stole a pair of jeans that almost sent her to jail. CIS Success Coach Brian Walker has helped Paige through CIS of Brunswick County's Peer Court Program, an alternative juvenile justice program where young people who commit crimes at school are tried by a group of their peers and sentenced to community service instead of going to real court, perhaps landing themselves in jail and certainly having a record until they are 18. Watch the "Overcoming Obstacles" video above and check out the wonderful story of how, with the help of CIS and the staff of Cedar Grove Middle School, the course of Paige Lowery's life has been redirected. "We all make mistakes," says Brian Walker, "but what you do when you make a mistake is what's important."

This video was produced by CISNC. Visit their website to see what CIS is doing across the state.

CIS celebrates: Moms, dads and  grandparents who donate their time and talents to teach new hobbies and lead special enrichment activities for the children Compassionate staff and teachers of Brunswick County Schools Wonderful tutors who patiently and skillfully spend time each week teaching students the skills they need in Reading and Math Mentors who take their personal time out each week and spend it with students helping them to become better citizens Counselors who come to school each week to have one-on-one sessions with students in need Volunteers who make the Gala, Little Princess Ball and Big Toy Day fun for all Thrift Shop Volunteers for turning trash to treasures Brunswick County Parks and Recreation for being a partner and a resource for great community programs Southport Kiwanis Club for their years of guidance and support of our Teen Court Program Shallotte Rotary for their guidance and support of our Peer Court Program The District Attorney's Office, Brunswick County Schools and Juvenile Services - their partnership makes Teen Court and Peer Court work Fantastic Student Volunteers who take time to make a difference in their world Sponsors who provide academic scholarship so students can go to college and scholarships for children to participate in after school programs Shallotte Presbyterian Church, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Parks & Recreation, Supply Elementary School who provide space for parenting programs Parents who have attended classes in order to improve their parenting skills Dedicated and patient CIS staff who motivate children (and parents) to be the best they can be A caring and giving community that supports services to children and families!