Four Making a Difference Say Family and Friends Tops Their Gratitude List

The year is winding down, and naturally it’s a time for reflection.

Many folks in Sandy Springs make a difference in other people's lives every day. We checked in with four of them, who shared what they are grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Carolyn Axt, executive director for Leadership Sandy Springs said she is most thankful for the love and support of family and friends. “There is nothing more treasured and important to me,” she said.

Axt is a “Woman of Distinction.”  Last week, she received the honor from the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce for her volunteer work in the community.

She says her work in education and the community cannot be done alone.

“You do that in conjunction with wonderful family and friends who have just been amazing,” she said. “I’m very honored to be chosen but I really need to share that award wth so many others, with whom I have worked.”

The Los Angeles native moved to Sandy Springs, with her family in 1984 and soon started work as a volunteer in local schools.

In the 1990s, Axt started a mentorship and volunteer program at North Springs High School, where students worked with business professionals.

“The people with whom I work, that’s what makes it fun as well as the difference it makes in other peoples lives,” she said. 

• Artist Dakoro Edwards

is gaining recognition for his work. He has donated pieces to the American Cancer Society, the Lupus Foundation of Georgia and Saving Our Children and Families.

“I am thankful that I have been able to be a point of reference and inspiration for a lot of people [both younger and older generations],” he said. “They see me really sticking to my dream and getting exposure, and it has inspired them to stick to it, and exercise more patience and diligence. I’m happy to be here.”

• Larry Jacobs, Sandy Spring Police Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist

In his duties as a crime prevention specialist, Larry Jacobs coordinates the popular and .

"I am thankful for having a great wife, a home I can be proud of, a career in a field that I still love after 18 years; in a city that appreciates and takes care of its employees, and lastly, great friends,” he said.

• Kim Cunninghis, a Sandy Springs resident and facilitator for Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children

With Darkness to Light, Kim, trains adults on how to protect children from sexual abuse and raises on the statistics of child sexual abuse.

“I literally thank God every day and night for my family and our good health. That just sort of boils it down for me. From there it’s just a ripple effect.”