Gary Community School Corporation Celebrates West Side Leadership Academy FACE Liaison – Jessica Fullilove as 2026 FACE Impact Leader Award Recipient

The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) proudly recognizes Jessica Fullilove, Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Liaison at West Side Leadership Academy, as the recipient of the 2026 FACE Impact Leader Award for her outstanding dedication to strengthening relationships between families, schools, and community partners.

“Family engagement at the high school level presents unique challenges, as students grow more independent and family participation often declines,” said Chelsea Whittington, Chief of Public and Community Relations for GCSC. “Despite these challenges, Ms. Fullilove has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to bridging gaps and creating meaningful connections between families and the school community. Through persistence, creativity, and genuine relationship-building, she has transformed opportunities for engagement into impactful moments that support student success.”Throughout the school year, Ms. Fullilove has remained highly visible and accessible to families and community members. She has successfully partnered with local organizations, coordinated meaningful events, and consistently ensured that families feel welcomed, informed, and valued at West Side Leadership Academy. Her presence at school functions, community gatherings, and family-focused initiatives has helped build trust and strengthen collaboration across the Gary community.

The award is funded through the district’s partnership with IN*SOURCE and was created to recognize the hard work and dedication of our FACE Liaisons, who serve as the direct connection betweenthe Gary schools and families, while ensuring that parents feel informed, welcomed, and supported.

IN*SOURCE partners with Gary Community School Corporation through the EFFECT grant to strengthen meaningful family engagement across the district. Through professional learning, surveys, focus groups, and leadership support, IN*SOURCE helps ensure that the voices of families remain central to how we serve students and build stronger school communities.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Mrs. Fullilove with this award, ” said Jamila Adams, Assist Director of Curriculum and IN*SOURCE gGrant Coordinator. “Her commitment to uplifting families and ensuring their voices are heard reflects the very heart of this work, and I am proud to celebrate the impact she continues to make in our school community.” As part of this prestigious honor, Ms. Fullilove will receive an all-expense-paid professional development opportunity to attend the National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, hosted by the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement, in San Diego. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will allow her to collaborate with national leaders, learn innovative strategies, and bring back new ideas to further enhance family engagement efforts across the district.”I am honored and humbled by this designation,” said Fullilove. “Working on behalf of children is my passion, and connecting with families is key to their success.”“Engaging families at the high school level requires persistence, trust, and authentic connection,” added Whittington. “Jessica Fullilove exemplifies what it means to meet families where they are. She has embraced every challenge with determination and positivity, turning obstacles into opportunities for partnership and growth.”

Ms. Fullilove’s work stands as a powerful example of how dedicated staff can positively influence school culture and student achievement by strengthening family-school partnerships. Her leadership continues to inspire colleagues and uplift the West Side Leadership Academy community.

For the latest district news, please visit garyschools.org.