Ritz-Carlton Buckhead rolls out blue carpet for Sutton Middle’s seventh-grade computer literacy class

The Ritz-Carlton of Buckhead launched a partnership with Sutton Middle School as a part of America’s Promise Alliance with former Secretary of State Colin Powell.  Many of us know the Ritz-Carlton-Buckhead as a luxury hotel where all guests are treated to first class service. Our students had the opportunity to visit the Ritz-Carlton of Buckhead and experience behind the scenes where the “magic happens.” The students learned about the various careers in the hotel industry and specifically how the Ritz-Carlton have partnered with America’s Promise Alliance’s Community Service Footprints Initiative.

The entire Ritz-Carlton of Buckhead staff greeted our students by rolling out the blue carpet and applauding the students as they walked off the bus and into the hotel. Owen McDaniel, a seventh-grader, said, “I thought I was an ordinary student on a field trip, but I felt like the president walking to the White House.”  The students were very excited about the warm reception they received. Seventh-grade computer teacher Kameelah Haynes stated, “When so many companies are cutting resources, the Ritz-Carlton is emerging and taking a genuine interest in our students and their education.”

In the last few months, The Ritz-Carlton of Buckhead provided students with a broad range of life skills that would strengthen our school, our community and our world. The sessions focused on delivering successful presentations, team building activities, community service projects, social skills and etiquette classes. Sutton program administrator Schyuler Bates and Kameelah Haynes are thrilled with the students’ enthusiasm on their community service learning project on Hunger and Homelessness. Jonah Alexander commented by stating, “I was thankful the Ritz-Carlton selected our school for this community project.”

The students kicked off the first service project “Honk for Haiti and Donate Your Change” by collecting monetary donations in the carpool lanes. The final service project was called “Clean Out Your Closet and Donate.”  The school’s community members opened their hearts, cleaned out their closets and donated clothes to our worthy cause. The school collected over 500 items that will be sent to local shelters around Atlanta. In keeping with The Ritz-Carlton of Buckhead commitment, Sutton strives to build that “legacy of extraordinary service” as it continues its partnership with The Ritz Carlton of Buckhead.