Sisbarro’s Community Donations Are Helping Local High School Students Stay in School 

At Sisbarro Volkswagen, being part of the Las Cruces community has always meant more than what happens on the showroom floor. It’s about showing up, giving back, and supporting the people who make this place home. That’s why Sisbarro is proud to partner with Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) on the revived Count Me In high school attendance initiative, which is underway across the district this school year. 

Count Me In is built on the simple but powerful idea that students do better when they’re in school. As with many arenas of life, it all begins with showing up, right? While attendance challenges are nothing new, the program brings renewed energy and real incentives to encourage students to stay engaged and keep showing up, even when it’s hard. 

Through a $10,000 contribution from Sisbarro Dealerships, the initiative provides $1,000 awards at each participating LCPS high school. These funds support quarterly, semester, and end-of-year prize drawings that recognize students who make attendance a priority. Just as important, the program now includes a “Growth Award,” which celebrates students who show meaningful improvement over time—not just perfect attendance. 

“Our students can’t thrive if they’re not in school,” declared LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “Reviving ‘Count Me In’ gives us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of daily attendance, while also celebrating students who are putting in the effort. Sisbarro’s support sends a powerful message that our community and local businesses are invested in student success.” 

That message matters. When students see local businesses stepping up, it reinforces that their efforts are noticed beyond the classroom. It shows that the broader Las Cruces community believes in them and wants to see them succeed. 

Michael Tourtillott, Director of Sales for Sisbarro Dealerships, shared why the initiative hits close to home. “Education is the key to our community’s future, and regular school attendance is where it starts. If we can play even a small role in motivating students to prioritize their education, that’s a win for everyone.” 

At Sisbarro Volkswagen, community support isn’t about one-time gestures. It’s about long-term commitment to local families, local schools, and the future of Las Cruces. Programs like Count Me In help students build habits that last far beyond high school, and we’re proud to be part of that journey. 

If you’re looking to support a local business that gives back, we invite you to visit Sisbarro Volkswagen. Whether you’re shopping for a new Volkswagen, a quality used car, or trusted service and parts, you’ll find a team that cares just as much about this community as you do. 

Tags: Community Support, Count Me In, Education, Las Cruces Public Schools, Sisbarro Volkswagen
Posted in Awards and Recognition, Las Cruces Volkswagen Dealer, News | No Comments »