By Yadira Betances
ybetances@eagletribune.com
November 24, 2008 03:44 am LAWRENCE — A chance meeting between legendary baseball slugger Sammy Sosa and school administrator Ralph Carrero turned out to be a big hit for students at Lawrence Family Development Charter School. Carrero, who is school superintendent, met Sosa at the Latin Pride Award ceremony at Lawrence High School Performing Center, where the former Chicago Cubs great was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Carrero and retired Superintendent Patricia Karl were presenting an award at the ceremony. Since the theme was education, Carrero and Karl mentioned the achievement of their students and the need for scholarships to send them to private high schools. Sosa was so impressed, he stepped up to the plate and promised to donate $15,000 to the Patricia F. Karl Endowment Fund. "Our intention wasn't to receive such a gift," Carrero said. "We take our jobs seriously and talk about it every chance we get." The gift came last month from Sammy Sosa Foundation, which is based in the Dominican Republic. "It brought a smile to my face," said Carrero when he received the envelope. "It validated why he is admired not only as a great baseball player, but also as a humanitarian." When Carrero told the student body, the children jumped up and clapped. "It sets the tone for this community that a person of such magnitude as Sammy values education and lets us know we should value how precious education is." The Patricia Foley Karl Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 to build a $1 million endowment over a 10-year period for scholarships to graduates going on to private high schools. So far, they have raised $98,000. Karl set up the fund when she retired to ensure students would continue attending private high schools. "My thought was, 'I have to do something for the kids.' I didn't want them to receive acceptance letters and not be able to go because of lack of funds," Karl said. She said the award has a special meaning because it came as a total surprise. "This gives a boost to our kids. To have a name that is so well known and with many of our students from the Dominican Republic, it will mean so much to our families." Interest gained from Sosa's financial contribution will be used for scholarships. According to the school, more than 50 percent of its graduates have been accepted to private secondary schools, including Phillips Academy in Andover; Pingree School in South Hamilton; Brooks School in North Andover; Governor's Academy in Byfield; Central Catholic and Notre Dame High School, both in Lawrence; Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen; St. John's Prep in Danvers; and Noble and Greenough in Dedham. Last year's graduates are now attending Governor's Academy, Brooks School, Phillips Academy, Notre Dame High, Central Catholic, Whittier Vocational, Greater Lawrence Technical School and Lawrence High. Carrero said, "We tell the kids to stay in school and work hard, and so far, they have risen to the challenge."
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