Christian City to honor First Lady Marty Kemp at 2024 event

Marty Kemp.

Continuing its practice of honoring key leaders in our community, Christian City will honor First Lady Marty Kemp at its 2024 Community Champion Awards on May 2 at the Georgia Aquarium.

The other 2024 honorees in the nonprofit category include the Junior League of Atlanta and Jackson Healthcare in the corporate category. The honorees have been named community champions for their impact and commitment toward the betterment of Metro Atlanta.

Two previous Community Champion award honorees include Integral CEO Egbert Perry and Truist CEO Bill Rogers.

Christian City is a local nonprofit with a 500-acre campus designed to uplift vulnerable children, adults and seniors.

First Lady Kemp is being honored for her work to end human trafficking in Georgia – spearheading the passage of eight pieces of legislation with overwhelming support from the General Assembly.

The Junior League of Atlanta is being recognized for empowering women with the goal of improving their health and well-being along with children and families in metro Atlanta.

Jackson Healthcare is being honored for improving access to healthcare and the well-being of young people through its support of programs that aid foster care youth, single mothers, as well as survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

“Christian City is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the contributions that Marty Kemp, Junior League of Atlanta and Jackson Healthcare have brought and continue to bring to the Atlanta community,” Keith Horton, president and CEO of Christian City, said in a statement. “Each honoree embodies the core values of Christian City through their dedication to improving the lives of others around them.”

Proceeds from the evening go towards the five Children & Family Programs at Christian City. Click here to learn more about the awards.

— Maria Saporta

APS opens pre-k lottery application window 

Starting today, Atlanta Public Schools are accepting applications for children to attend their Pre-K program until Mar. 1. 

The school system encourages parents and caregivers to enroll their children in the state-funded program, which ensures a smooth transition to Kindergarten. 

To apply, visit their website.

— Allison Joyner

APS launches spring hiring initiative with job fair for Douglas High School cluster

Atlanta Public Schools is beginning its spring hiring initiative on Saturday, Feb. 3, with seven job fairs at Douglass High School on Hamilton E. Homes Dr. to fill several positions throughout the system.

Starting at 9 a.m., positions like teachers, bus drivers, nutrition workers and speech-language pathologists are offered for the fair focused on schools within the Douglass Cluster including Boyd Elementary, John Lewis Invictus Academy and Usher-Collier Heights Elementary. 

Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume. District hiring officials will be present to discuss financial incentives. 

— Allison Joyner

Jonesboro High marching band featured in Apple Super Bowl Usher halftime commercial

 A recent video featuring the Jonesboro High School Marching Band is going viral.

The trailer promoting the Apple Super Bowl Halftime show debuted on Good Morning America last month and is currently aired on CBS.

The commercial featuring Atlanta native Usher marks the first time a Metro Atlanta high school has been featured in a Super Bowl commercial. 

“Being a part of this project is one of the most unique experiences. We are honored to be included, and we look forward to once again representing Clayton County on a national stage,” said Lynel Goodwin, band director for the Jonesboro High School band.

Click here to watch the video.

— Allison Joyner

Chamblee awarded financial accountability award for 9th year

Last month, the City of Chamblee received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association in the U.S. and Canada (GFOA).

The award is the ninth consecutive year the city has earned this award, which is the highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting. 

“Our mission is to provide effective stewardship over public funds and assets and financial management leadership for the city government,” said Julie Pero, Finance Director for Chamblee. 

Click here to view Chamblee’s Comprehensive Annual Finance Reports. 

— Allison Joyner

World Premiere of a groundbreaking cinematic rediscovery at the 24th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival recently announced a groundbreaking cinematic event in partnership with The National Center for Jewish Film — the world premiere of a newly commissioned original music score for the 1922 silent film, Breaking Home Ties. 

This year’s festival is set to run from Feb. 13 to 26 in theaters with a streaming encore from Feb 27 to March 7. The festival hopes the historic premiere will be an important experience for film enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Breaking Home Ties with live film score led by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos will take place on Thursday, Feb 15 at 7:40 p.m. at the Tara Theatre The long-lost silent era gem has been digitally restored to its original glory, and will be debuting with a new soundtrack, performed by diverse, award-winning artists.

— Derek Prall

Georgia State University announces ‘40 Under 40’ List

The Georgia State University Alumni Association has selected the honorees for its 2024 class of remarkable alumni under the age of 40.

“These exceptional Georgia State alumni are standouts in their respective fields, leaders in their communities and outstanding ambassadors for Georgia State University,” said President Dr. M. Brian Blake. “Through their dedication, creativity, innovation and accomplishment, they shine a spotlight on the great potential that’s inside every Panther. Congratulations to this year’s impressive class.”

Started in 2018, Georgia State’s 40 Under 40 program annually celebrates the most influential and accomplished Georgia State graduates who embody the values of the university. This year’s class of 40 Under 40 alumni will be recognized at a March 22 ceremony and reception at the Georgia State Convocation Center from 6 to 9 p.m.

Read more about the event and the members of the class here.

— Derek Prall

Marry We announces 2024 Valentine’s Day group wedding event, officiated by Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens

Marry We, recently announced its Valentine’s Day mass wedding ceremony for 2024. Scheduled for Feb. 14, the event will be officiated by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

The group is inviting couples —  whether newly engaged or already married — to celebrate their love in a unique way. The event offers a twist on traditional weddings by combining the romance of Valentine’s Day with the convenience and excitement of a group ceremony.

“At Marry We, we believe that love should be celebrated in the most extraordinary way. This year, we’re not just hosting a wedding event; we’re creating a historical moment in Atlanta’s story of love and unity,” said Marry We Founder Crystal Love. “Our goal is to provide an experience that is not only unique but also deeply memorable for couples who choose to celebrate their special day with us.”

Marry We’s is welcoming couples of all nationalities, religions, and sexual orientations. For more information and to register, please click here.

— Derek Prall

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