APS students named Georgia Governor’s Honor Program finalists
Last month, Atlanta Public Schools announced that 17 of its high school students had been selected as Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) finalists.
10th and 11th grade students from Benjamin E. Mays, Maynard Jackson, Midtown, Atlanta Classical Academy and North Atlanta High Schools will participate in a summer program designed to provide students with academic, cultural and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global leaders.
Sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, the program will be a rigorous residential program on a college campus. Students will attend classes and participate in a variety of social and instructional activities.
“I am proud of APS’s remarkable group of GHP finalists. Our students have worked hard to achieve this opportunity. I look forward to seeing how their participation in the program will transform their lives,” said Dr. Danielle Battle, Interim Superintendent for APS.
— Allison Joyner
Morris Brown president receives second contract extension
In April, Morris Brown College announced that it would give President Kevin James a second contract extension until 2029.
James has significantly improved the Historically Black College, including retaining its accreditation after an almost 20-year absence.
“The progress witnessed over the past five years under Dr. James’ leadership is nothing short of remarkable. From achieving full accreditation to unprecedented fundraising and academic success, Morris Brown has experienced an unparalleled surge in momentum,” said Reginal Jackson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of the 6th Episcopal District of African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In addition, James has improved governance, developed finance and fundraising initiatives, enhanced innovative academic programming and student success and increased enrollment.
“I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students and the community to lead the institution into our next level of excellence through what we call ‘the resurgence,'” James said.
— Allison Joyner
Chamblee launches glass recycling program in partnership with Ripple Glass
Last month, the city of Chamblee announced that it has rolled out a new program allowing residents to recycle their glass bottles and jars easily.
Ripple Glass will provide purple collection bins at the Chamblee Police Department on Arrow Creek Park to accept glass food and beverage containers, drinking vessels, candle jars, and cosmetic bottles for recycling.
“This initiative represents a sign step forward in our commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management,” said Brain Mock, Mayor of Chamblee.
In addition to saving energy and boosting the local economy, the program will create eight jobs for every 1,000 tons of glass recycled to be turned into new bottles and fiberglass insulation.
— Allison Joyner
Covenant House Georgia raises almost $800,000 during ‘A Night of Broadway Stars’ gala
Last week, Covenant House Georgia announced it raised $796,000 at their annual “A Night of Broadway Stars” gala.
The nonprofit serves youth experiencing homelessness in Atlanta by providing shelter, support and advocacy to those who are homeless or escaping human trafficking.
“Every contribution makes a significant impact and helps us further our commitment to serving young people experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking in the metro Atlanta area,” said Dr. Alie Redd, CEO of Covenant House Georgia.
— Allison Joyner
CAU alumn receives Tony nomination for Best Direction of a Play
Last week, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced that its alumnus, Kenny Leon, has been nominated for “Best Direction of a Play” from the Tony Awards for “Purlie Victorious.”
Leon graduated from Clark College in 1979 and won the same award in 2014 for directing “A Raisin in the Sun.”
“We are immensely proud of the achievements of our distinguished alumnus, Kenny Leon, and his significant contributions to the arts and theater industry,” said Dr. Charlene Gilbert, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Mr. Leon’s exceptional career is a testament to creative excellence and an inspiration for all of our students who aspire to a career in the arts.”
The Tony Awards ceremony is slated to take place on Sunday, Jun. 9.
— Allison Joyner
Morehouse School of Medicine director selected TIME 100 Health list recipient
This month, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) announced that Dr. Barney Graham, Director of the David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute, has been selected for the inaugural 2024 TIME 100 Health list.
The list recognizes 100 people who have most influenced global health this year.
Graham joined MSM in 2022 to work on global health equity after a decades-long career at the National Institute of Health’s Vaccine Research Center, where he developed the world’s first vaccine for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Click here to read more.
— Allison Joyner
Austin Elementary to celebrate Georgia’s Spelling Bee champion ahead of Scripps National Spelling Bee competition
Yesterday, Austin Elementary School celebrated Sarv Dharavane, its student who won the 63rd Annual Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee in March.
Dharavane, 10, is a fourth grader who will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 28 to 30.
“When I spelled my championship word, I was nonplussed and elated at the same time,” he said. “I love words and when I heard there was a classroom spelling bee, I thought, why not?”
Dharavane also won the Georgia State Technology Competition in Project Programming.
— Allison Joyner
New grant program “SCAD Serve” aims to deliver funding directly to community projects
The SCAD SERVE Community Fund, a new grant program out of SCAD SERVE initiative , is giving away grants for a range of community projects to nonprofits, groups of nonprofits, or bona fide local government entities that enhance their community. Projects in either Atlanta or Savannah, where SCAD has campuses, are eligible for grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.
The initiative, started by SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, aims to “to continue cultivating vibrant, inclusive communities where design and innovation flourish.” SCAD SERVE prioritizes projects that fall under one or more of the six categories: food, shelter, clothing, environment, safety and education.
Past projects part of the larger SCAD SERVE initiative — though not funded by the new community fund program — have included the “Design for Good”, the “Tree Planting Initiative” and “Paint Our Parks” program, which had talented artists beautify parks in Atlanta and Savannah.
“The places where we lounge, laugh, and play. The spaces where we stroll, reflect, and reinvigorate,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. “Our parks are where we find our best selves — and SCAD SERVE’s Paint Our Parks public art initiative invites our neighbors and friends to enjoy the work of accomplished SCAD artists who realize shared visions of positivity, wellness, and joy and uplift neighborhoods from Atlanta to Savannah.”
The period for proposals for the community funding grants ends on July 1, where selected proposals will be invited to submit full applications by September 1. SCAD SERVE hopes to notify winners by the end of the year.
— Mark Lannaman
American Institute of Architects Atlanta celebrates annual design competition winners
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Atlanta Chapter held their 19th annual High School Design Competition April, which saw students compete to design a field research center on Blue Heron Nature Preserve. This year’s competition, held at Kennesaw State University, saw 245 entries from 19 different high schools in the Metro Atlanta Area.
The students were tasked with designing a field research center that “responded to the natural environment and would provide educational opportunities for high school students to study the ecology of the City of Atlanta,” said Jonathan Gould, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Kennesaw State University. The beginner competition was focused on the design of a Vivarium and butterfly house.
The following are the winners of their respective categories:
- Advanced Individual: Jordi Silva from Union Grove High School; Teacher: Amanda McClure
- Advanced Group: Sara Caccamo and Hien Nguyen from Maxwell High School; Teacher: Dee Tillman
- Beginner Individual: Megan Matovina from Empower College and Career Center; Teacher: Mollie Neufeld
AIA Atlanta partnered with YKK AP to provide scholarships worth over $5,000 to the winners of the competition. Additionally, the winner of the advanced competition received a scholarship to attend the Spike Studio Architecture Summer Program in Atlanta this summer.
The AIA hopes the competition encourages students to pursue the profession in architecture and design by the time they go to college.
— Mark Lannaman
Hire Heroes USA Empowerment Gala to celebrate military and partners
Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., will host its second Empowerment Gala to celebrate veterans, individuals and partners who have made outstanding contributions to veterans and their spouses in the transition to civilian careers.
This year’s honorees will receive accolades in the following categories: Client of the Year, Woman Veteran of the Year, Junior Enlisted Veteran of the Year, Military Spouse of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Community Impact Award and Corporate Partner of the Year.
The organization offers free, personalized employment services, including resume assistance, interview preparation and mentoring. The organization has facilitated more than 90,000 veteran hires since the organization was founded, including nearly 14,000 job placements in 2023.
Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
YMCA receives $100,000 grant to renovate play space
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has received a $100,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to complete a 1,350 square foot outdoor play space renovation at the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA. Through this project, the Y will support families by providing access to early childhood development resources in a nature-focused environment encouraging exploration and learning.
The play space is designed to provide a safe and stimulating environment for young learners by incorporating elements of math, science and art. It will include ample green space and tactile learning elements to meet children’s diverse needs. The renovation is scheduled to begin this fall with an estimated completion in late 2024.
“This project exemplifies the Y’s dedication to encouraging a culture of learning and growth for metro Atlanta’s youth,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Our goal is to foster an environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and our updated play space with new equipment and an emphasis on early childhood development will help do just that. We’re thankful for PNC’s support to help us further holistic child development and community engagement.”
— Derek Prall
RnB Soul Picnic announces lineup
The third annual RnB Soul Picnic, set to take place at Westside Park from May 11 to 12 recently announced its lineup.
This year’s guests include an impressive array of renowned DJs and hosts from the world of RnB and Hip Hop for two days of non-stop entertainment and soulful vibes.
The saturday lineup includes:
- Porsha Williams (Host, RHOA)
- DJ Envy (Breakfast Club)
- Bryan-Michael Cox (Award-winning producer)
- Fly Guy DC (Host)
- K. Botchey (Host)
- DJ SNS
- Traci Steele
- DJ Mars (Usher, Monica)
- Stormy Monroe
- Bow Tie DJ
- DJ Tron
- DJ Tephlon (Jeezy)
- DJ DSA
- DJ Nasty
- Queen of Spade
The sunday lineup includes:
- CeeLo Green (Host)
- Kid Capri
- Wild Afrikan (Host)
- DJ Reese
- DJ J Smoov
- DJ Trauma
- DJ P-Nut
- Yung Fro
- Princess Cut
The RnB Soul Picnic is dedicated to celebrating and honoring RnB DJs, showcasing their talent and contribution to the genre. This event provides a platform for DJs specializing in RnB and Soul music to shine, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among fans and artists alike.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this exceptional lineup of DJs and hosts for the 2024 RnB Soul Picnic,” said Ais York, Founder of York Promotions. “This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of RnB and Soul music, bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry for an immersive and soulful experience.”
Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
‘Phoenix Rising’ to be presented by the Atlanta Women’s Chorus
The Atlanta Women’s Chorus (AWC) presents their new performance, “Phoenix Rising,” which delves into a reflective exploration of the significance of calling Atlanta home, examining the city’s multifaceted history, from the Native Americans who once inhabited this region to pivotal events like the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The chorus explores the diverse tapestry that shapes Atlanta.
The concert will take place at the Lawrence Arts Center on June 1. The mid-day concert will be held at 2 p.m., and the evening performance will take place at 7 p.m.
The narrative encompasses discussions on gay rights and the diverse musical influences that have originated from this vibrant city, spanning classical, popular, and hip-hop genres. The collective acknowledgment is that while there is pride in being Southerners and in Atlanta’s rich heritage, there remains a recognition of ongoing work and a commitment to continuous improvement. Tickets are available through the Voices Of Note.
— Derek Prall
