Saba was named New York's top high school youth volunteer for 2002 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Over 28,000 middle and high school students applied for the honor. Saba and a middle school student from Burt each received $1,000 and will participate in a one week, all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they will attend leadership and recognition conferences and have a chance to be named among ten top national winners.

Charles Strange, Cherry Valley-Springfield high school principal, said Saba has received many accolades.

"She's mature and driven," he said. "Everything she does, she does well. She's exemplary."

Strange said Saba's been in a number of leadership roles at school.

"She's good at leading other students," Strange said, citing her role as Student Council president as an example. "She does research and finds funding. The Old School Cafe has a good turnout on Friday and Saturday nights. Students spend time there with each other in healthy ways. She's had assistance, but she's really been a mover and shaker there. She's a persistent motivator."

"These extraordinary young people exemplify the spirit of community that is critical to keeping America strong in the face of the challenges that confront us today," said Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. "They are all young heroes who deserve our thanks and admiration."

"More now than ever, we see the need for dedicated and talented volunteers like these young students," said Gerald Tirozzi, executive director of NASSP. "We are motivated by their community spirit, and we know that as others realize the impact these honorees have made, their community spirit will indeed spread."

All public and private middle level and high schools in the country, along with all Girl Scout councils and county 4-H organizations, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Local Honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.

Leadership is a subject of great interest to Saba.

"I've had to write a lot about it for scholarships," Saba said. "It comes out so corny. I can see why people have such a hard time expressing themselves."

The Student Council president has, however, found an eloquent way to articulate the workings of student government.

"You're restricted because you're in such a complicated system, but still, you are a student body and you have a voice. It's rewarding," Saba said, "what you can do with that voice."

While other local young people were complaining about the lack of entertainment and social opportunities, Saba decided to do something about it. Now, the Old School Cafe is going strong. She credits the mix of ideas and action for the success, and said she has gotten a lot of support.

She has also been selected from over 91,000 applicants throughout the United States as a semifinalist in the 2002 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. This signifies that Alexis is among the top 2% of this year's senior applicants.