FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2011---Atlanta, Georgia

Winner Awarded the SSEF Carolyn Axt Volunteer of the Year Award,
Alexander Caraballo

On May 25, 2011, a standing ovation was given to Alexander Caraballo, as he received the first SSEF Carolyn Axt Volunteer of the Year Award for his effort in establishing Lunch with A Leader.

Lunch with A Leader is a highly successful speaker lunch program at Ridgeview Charter Middle School and Riverwood International Charter High School.  The school graduation coaches invite fifteen to twenty students to attend a free monthly lunch, to hear Latino community mentors. The mentors share their personal stories of advancement, the obstacles they encountered, lessons learned and their vision for success.

Sandy Springs Education Force partners with Hispanic organizations throughout Atlanta to identify volunteer role models to mentor Sandy Springs middle school and high school students. Mentors discuss the importance of high school graduation, post-secondary education, and choosing a career.

Alex Caraballo, Senior Manager, Retail Business Intelligence at AT&T Mobility, encouraged and obtained the highest-level Latino officers from the largest corporations in Georgia to mentor the middle and high school students throughout the year.  Harvey Oaxaca, Ridgeview Charter Middle School Graduation Coach, said "Alex has provided a wealth of knowledge for our students through his efforts in securing speakers for this program. His networking with other Latino professionals in the community has positively impacted so many students. The Lunch with a Leader program has encouraged students to look beyond their current situations, set goals, stay in school, and see what their potential can be in the future. It is amazing to have community members who care about our students as much as Alex."

Due to the success of the program, Lunch with A Leader will continue to mentor students in the 2011/2012 school year.

Sandy Springs Education Force is a non-profit organization that partners with community organizations to provide Sandy Springs public school students with the opportunities and tools to graduate and pursue meaningful and productive options beyond high school.