Seattle Seahawk Shaun Alexander Announces His Role as National Spokesman for Communities In Schools, Inc.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communities In Schools, the nation's largest dropout prevention organization, is proud to announce that Shaun Alexander, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, has agreed to serve as a national spokesman for the organization and promote its efforts to keep students in school and prepare them for life.

Alexander will formally announce this partnership at a Communities In Schools of Washington reception on July 16. The event, which will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the WaMu Center in Seattle, is hosted by Costco Wholesale CEO Jim Sinegal. Sinegal is a member of Communities In Schools' national Leadership Council.

"I feel blessed to be a part of an organization like Communities In Schools that does so much for young people," said Alexander. "This is really personal for me," he added. "As a father of young children, I understand how important it is to give them the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. Through my work with Communities In Schools, I can help millions of students and their families."

Bill Milliken, Communities In Schools' founder and vice chairman, has welcomed Alexander to Communities In Schools and applauded his civic commitment. "Shaun Alexander is a great example of the power of community involvement that is at the heart of Communities In Schools. We are honored to have someone of his impeccable character, who can serve as a role model for young people," said Milliken. "Shaun will be a tremendous asset as we move forward, helping us to spread the word about ending America's dropout crisis," Milliken added.

Alexander will work with Communities In Schools on a national level, as well as with the organization's state office in Washington, and local affiliates in the Seattle area.

Alexander, who has been with the Seahawks since 2000, is a three-time member of the NFC Pro Bowl team, NFL MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year. A strong believer in giving back to his community, he established the Shaun Alexander Family Foundation in 2000. It is the first and only organization of its type to be started before the player was even drafted. The Foundation has established scholarships and donated thousands of dollars to organizations and individuals.

Communities In Schools is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization, working in more than 3,400 K-12 public schools. Founded in 1977, Communities In Schools is headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Today, 1.2 million young people annually receive direct services through more than 200 Communities In Schools local affiliates in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Between 80-90 percent of Communities In Schools' tracked students show improvement in academic achievement, attendance, behavior and promotion to the next grade level. Visit our Website at http://www.communitiesinschools.org/.