Georgia Girl Named Semifinalist in National Heroes Award Program for Work With Children's Bilingual Theater

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; Local youth hero could win $25,000 charitable contribution

10 Butterfly Award Semifinalists Selected; Vote at www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 21 -- Fourteen-year-old Jordan Schwartz from Marietta, Ga. is one of 10 top hometown youth heroes from across the country being recognized in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Schwartz is a semifinalist in Volvo's national search for, and celebration of, hometown heroes and with enough votes, she could be in the running to win up to a $25,000 charitable contribution.

This year, Volvo selected 10 heroes from thousands of nominations in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category created in memory of Volvo for life Award winner, Alexandra Scott. Schwartz has been selected as a top 10 youth hero, and the American public is invited to learn more about all 40 heroes and vote for their favorites at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ now until Jan. 7, 2008.

Like in much of the country, there is a growing Hispanic community in Marietta, Ga., hometown of ninth grader Jordan Schwartz. To celebrate multiculturalism and give kids the opportunity to learn different languages, Schwartz created the Children's Bilingual Theater and produced her first play in spring 2004. With encouragement from friends, family and mentors, Schwartz raised $3,000 for the first production, "the Song of the Oak/El canto del roble." Since then, the theater has put together several plays that tour schools throughout the region.

The theater provides an opportunity for English or Spanish speaking children to come together and learn one-another's languages and cultures in a collaborative, interactive environment. However, learning at the theater isn't limited to language; kids learn about the theater arts, self-expression and the creative process, making friends and gaining confidence along the way.

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Our youth heroes are particularly inspiring because they show that no matter what age you are, you can make a very big difference," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "We're thrilled that the Butterfly Award has its own category this year, and encourage the public to visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ to learn more about these ten incredible kids and what they're doing to make the world a better place. And of course, support the heroes with their vote."

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. Each will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

The Butterfly Award winner will receive a charitable contribution of $25,000, two runners up will each receive $10,000.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com.