SCAD AnimationFest honors director, writer Genndy Tartakovsky
This week, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced that it will honor animation and entertainment industry legend Genndy Tartakovsky during SCAD AnimationFest from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28.
The annual film festival for digital media features sessions with top executives and creatives from Adult Swim, Bad Robot, DC Studios, DreamWorks Animation and others.
“At SCAD, animation is our number one degree program and a large part of student success includes the exclusive opportunity to be mentored by the best in the industry at this signature event,” said Mollie Brock, director of SCADFILM.
With his contributions to hit films like “Hotel Transylvania,” “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Samurai Jack,” Tartakovsky will be presented with the SCAD AnimationFest Award of Excellence during the event.
Click here to purchase tickets.
— Allison Joyner
Invest Fest partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Atlanta to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs
Big and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) had a chance to listen to prominent speakers during this year’s Invest Fest.
Invest Fest is an innovative and impactful event that brings together entrepreneurs for discussions about financial and business advancement and featured speakers such as 50 Cent, Steve Harvey and Daymond John.
Big and Littles had the opportunity to experience the event to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Additionally, they attended Invest Fest Night at the Atlanta Dream vs. Phoenix Mercury WNBA game, where BBBSMA received a donation to support its programs.
— Allison Joyner
Georgia Milestone results show growth for Fulton County Schools students
On Tuesday, Fulton County Schools (FCS) announced that their students’ 2024 Georgia Milestone test results showed significant growth in various subjects, reflecting the students’ and staff’s hard work and dedication.
Test scores increased in several areas, including fifth-grade English/Language Arts and High School Literature and History.
“The impressive results we see today are a reflection of the outstanding teaching and learning that take place in our schools every day,” said Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools.
The school district’s End of Grade (EOG) assessment for fifth through eighth graders also scored above state averages in Science and Social Studies.
In high school end-of-course assessments, FCS outperformed in RESA and state EOC categories of proficient and above, exceeding the rates from their American Literature and Composition and U.S. History programs.
“Our students and staff have shown exceptional dedication and hard work and these results reflect their unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Kimberly Dove, President of the Fulton County Board of Education.
Due to new standards from the Georgia Department of Education, math scores from exams will be released later this year.
— Allison Joyner
Carmen Davis joins City of South Fulton as assistant city manager
The City of South Fulton recently announced the addition of Carmen Davis to its leadership team as the new Assistant City Manager. With over 25 years of experience in local government, Davis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.
Davis joins City Manager Sharon Subadan and Assistant City Manager Dr. Marc-Antonie Cooper in leading the City of South Fulton towards continued growth and success. Her extensive background in both public and private sectors, including 12 years in local government leadership roles, makes her a valuable asset to the city.
“We are delighted to have Ms. Davis join our team as the new Assistant City Manager,” said Subadan. “Her impressive experience and proven leadership skills make her an ideal candidate for this role. We are confident that she will contribute significantly to the progress and development of the City of South Fulton.”
Prior to joining the City of South Fulton, Davis served as the City Manager of Lake Worth Beach, FL, where she managed ten departments and 400 employees. She was also the first African American appointed to this position, showcasing her groundbreaking leadership abilities. Before that, Davis held various positions such as Chief Operating Officer for the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation and County Administrator for Hinds County, MS.
“I am honored to join the dynamic team at the City of South Fulton,” said Assistant City Manager Carmen Davis. “I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the city’s progress and serve its vibrant community. Together, we will build upon the city’s achievements and strive for excellence in all aspects of governance.”
— Derek Prall
Herman “Skip” Mason named ITC Interim President
Last month, the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) announced pastor and professor Rev. Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. as its new interim president.
Mason will replace former interim president Dr. Maisha Handy, who will be president of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She will be the first Black woman to lead the institution.
“As an alumnus, “Skip’s” enthusiasm and dedication are unparalleled and I am confident that his leadership will propel the ITC to even greater heights,” said Calvin Booker, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ITC.
— Allison Joyner
Fulton County, Atlanta Public Schools respond after school shooting in Northwest Georgia
Local school systems, Atlanta Public (APS) and Fulton County Schools (FCS), released statements after the shooting at a Barrow County School yesterday.
Two students and two teachers were killed and multiple gunshots injured many from a 14-year-old male at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga.
FCS said that whenever something as shocking and tragic happens, it impacts us all, and the safety and well-being of its students are a high priority.
APS posted on Facebook, “Atlanta Public Schools sends our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the senseless act of violence at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. We stand in support and solidarity with Barrow County School System and all school districts as we wrap our arms around our students and staff.”
FCS wants to encourage parents to talk to their children about their feelings and reassure them that their safety is of the utmost importance and if they see or hear anything about school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm or any other suspicions or concerns to leave a message on their tip line.
— Allison Joyner
Over $200K raised for arthritis research during this year’s DragonCon, thousands donated blood
DragonCon attendees donated $210,000 during the Labor Day weekend festivities to this year’s selected charity, the Arthritis Foundation’s Georgia Chapter. Fans also donated blood for LifeSouth’s Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, which resulted in over 10,000 blood components.
The pop culture convention which celebrates fantasy, sci-fi and gaming, estimated that over 72,000 fans worldwide participated in the five-day event and raised funds and donated blood.
For over a decade, DragonCon has raised more than $1.3 million for its annual charities through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events and dollar-for-dollar matches from the convention up to $125,000.
The annual blood drive is ranked as LifeSouth’s largest convention-based blood drive, serving more than 25 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 125 hospitals in the Southeast.
DragonCon is scheduled to return from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, 2025.
— Allison Joyner
Tina Chadwick Joins Luckie as Head of Accounts
Duluth-based marketing solutions agency Luckie recently announced that Tina Chadwick has joined the agency as head of accounts.
In her new role, Chadwick is responsible for oversight of Luckie’s client solutions and account management functions, ensuring client engagements are met with innovative, high-impact solutions and providing leadership for Luckie’s cross-office team of account and project managers.
“Tina brings to Luckie a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our industry that will be invaluable to both our client partners and our team,” said John Gardner, president and CEO of Luckie. “I know her leadership will elevate our relationships and have a big impact on the success and growth of the agency.”
— Derek Prall
South Fulton aims to revitalize underutilized land
The City of South Fulton recently announced an advancement in its efforts to revitalize underutilized land within city limits. After extensive consultations with local stakeholders, the Mayor and City Council have approved the rezoning of a privately-owned property, previously designated as agricultural and residential, to industrial use. This property, once a longstanding landfill and a community eyesore, is now being transformed into a temporary industrial parking lot for trucks and shipping container storage.
This strategic rezoning is part of the City of South Fulton’s broader commitment to sustainable development and improving the community’s landscape. The transformation of the former landfill is set to enhance the visual appeal of the area and generate new economic opportunities by providing dedicated spaces for outdoor storage, truck and fleet parking, and other industrial uses.
“I am thrilled to see our efforts finally coming to fruition,” said Jaceey Sebastian, mayor pro tem and District 4 councilman who championed the cleanup and repurposing of the once illegal landfill with the support of the community, the city, and the state and federal governments. “This revitalization represents a thoughtful approach to repurposing an underutilized space into an asset that serves both our residents and local businesses. By turning a once unsightly landfill into a functional industrial hub, we are taking significant steps toward economic growth and sustainability. We have some work left to do but I am confident that those involved, including the new owners, will continue to press things forward to the results the community deserves.”
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Ballet performance season kicks off
Atlanta Ballet’s 2024/25 performance season will begin with Fall Into Rhythm, an ambitious mixed bill featuring the works of three celebrated choreographers on the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre stage.
Offered Sept. 13 to 15, 2024, Fall Into Rhythm includes Elemental Brubeck with choreography by Lar Lubovitch, Tu Tu by Stanton Welch and Harmony of Opposite Tensions, a world premiere by Kiyon Ross commissioned to premiere at Atlanta Ballet.
For more information please call 404-892-3303 or click here.
— Derek Prall
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta to host ‘Days of Service’
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta recently announced it’s hosting its seventh annual Days of Service on Sept. 13 and 14 in partnership with Gas South and Sterling Seacrest Pritchard. The organizations will gather volunteers from across metro Atlanta to conduct service projects benefiting communities in need.
“The Y’s annual Days of Service projects bring together individual and corporate volunteers to make a lasting, positive impact for metro Atlanta organizations and residents,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Through these events, we’re strengthening and building communities where everyone belongs. We encourage community members to join and help with this life-changing work.”
Service opportunities include volunteering with food drives, beautification projects and garden builds, among other events. Volunteer shifts are available at various Y locations, including the East Lake Family YMCA, McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA and more.
Click here for more information about the Y’s Days of Service projects or to register as a volunteer.
— Derek Prall
Debra Bangasser Named Director of the GSU Center for Behavioral Neuroscience
Debra Bangasser has been appointed as the next director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) at Georgia State University. She is also the university’s first Distinguished Investigator with the Georgia Research Alliance.
As an international expert on the mechanisms underlying stress-induced pathology, Bangasser also serves as a professor of neuroscience in the Georgia State Neuroscience Institute.
The CBN is an award-winning, interdisciplinary research consortium supporting impactful research, collaboration and education in the field of neuroscience. For more than two decades, the center has supported innovative research on the brain mechanism of social behavior and continues to inspire new generations of research scientists through outreach and education.
“As our longest-running university research center, the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience has made significant contributions to the scientific literature on the neuroscience of social behavior, while also serving as a hub for training the next generation of students and postdoctoral fellows,” said Donald Hamelberg, Georgia State’s interim vice president for research and economic development. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Bangasser’s research expertise and leadership as she takes on this important role.”
— Derek Prall
