Sandy Springs Education Force Honors Community Champions

Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) proudly celebrated the dedicated individuals and organizations that help power its mission at this year’s annual Appreciation Breakfast, held at Riverwood International Charter School. The event recognized the volunteers, board members, teachers and school administrators whose ongoing support plays a vital role in expanding opportunities for students in Sandy Springs public schools.

In his comments, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul noted the great education the public schools provide in Sandy Springs and remarked, “You don’t have good public schools unless you have great public support…This room is a reflection of the phenomenal public support that these schools get.”

Dr. Gonzalo LaCava, Chief Human Resources Officer for Fulton County Schools, commented that Sandy Springs Education Force is “ensuring every student has an opportunity to thrive both in school and in life.” He thanked SSEF for “creating a lasting, measurable change for our students, community and schools.”

During the event, students shared powerful, firsthand stories that illustrated how SSEF programs have transformed their educational journeys. For example, Vanesa Hernandez, a student at Riverwood Charter International High School, remembered that, as a young child, she translated technical medical information from her doctors for her parents who did not speak English. As a result, she aspires to pursue a career in healthcare and to open a clinic offering bilingual services. At SSEF’s High Demand Career Fair, Vanesa learned about a CNA training program at Love Nursing and Medical Training that allowed her to easily complete her training while a student. She explained that she now has the confidence to be a role model for other workers as a CNA. She described how she works on the weekends and pursues dual enrollment college credits during the week. She credits SSEF for helping get her on a successful path to her goals and noted, “Someday, I hope to be Dr. Hernandez.”

Sandy Springs Education Force Executive Director Irene Schweiger noted the importance of the organization’s volunteers and supporters to its success and ability to run 18 impactful programs in the public schools in Sandy Springs. As part of the celebration, SSEF also recognized several outstanding partners who played a vital role in their continued success. This year’s honorees include:

Sustaining Scholar Award: RangeWater Impact Foundation

Carolyn Axt Volunteer of the Year Award: Lee Smith

School Program Champion of the Year: Sarahi Salazar

Non-Profit Partner of the Year: Building Talent Foundation

Dr. Ava Wilensky Board Member of the Year Award: Kristen Daddow-Rodriguez

Honorees remarked thet they are proud to work for such an impactful organization alongside so many dedicated volunteers and supporters. The Appreciation Breakfast emphasizes the impact of community collaboration and demonstrates how shared dedication and support drive positive outcomes.

For more information, visit www.sandyspringseducationforce.org.

About Sandy Springs Education Force

Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) is dedicated to providing innovative educational programs and resources to public school students in Sandy Springs. Through partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and schools, SSEF works to enhance learning opportunities and prepare students for successful futures. Sandy Springs Education Force is the city’s leading education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. SSEF believes that our community will thrive if we work together to ensure that every child from every circumstance is able to learn, dream and achieve. We collaborate with civic leaders, businesses and citizen volunteers to design and deliver free programs in the 11 public schools in Sandy Springs to supplement and multiply all students’ positive academic and personal experiences. Our goal is to encourage and prepare kids to succeed through high school and beyond. It’s exciting and fun, and it’s working! To find out how you can help and support SSEF, visit http://www.sandyspringseducationforce.org.