Written by: APS Department of Instructional Technology
The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Department of Instructional Technology, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of the City of Atlanta, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Level Up Atlanta Student Minecraft Challenge, an innovative initiative that tasked students with reimagining and redesigning key areas of Atlanta.
The challenge encouraged students to think critically about their city and propose creative, connected, equitable, and sustainable solutions for the future. Using Minecraft Education Edition, students were asked to design a space addressing two of the city’s key focus areas defined in the lesson plan:
- Physical Spaces: Connecting diverse neighborhoods to create a more unified and accessible city.
- Historic Revitalization: Reimagining and revitalizing a historic area to honor its past while creating a vibrant, modern space.
- Food Insecurity: Designing spaces to combat food insecurity and create a healthier, more nourished city.
- City Planning: Designing new green spaces, parks, and trails that create a “green corridor” throughout Atlanta.
The winning projects demonstrated remarkable creativity and a deep understanding of urban development.
2025-2026 Level Up Atlanta Winners
- Elementary School:
- Ezekiel Wetendorf (Drew Charter School)
- Leona Gray and Anna Claire Coleman (Drew Charter School)
- Middle School:
- Joao Spencer and Ward Ramby (Howard Middle School)
- John Hutchinson & Kayla El-Deiry (Howard Middle School)
- Moses Tolochko and Miles Oki (Howard Middle School)
- High School:
- Destiny Jackson & Nia Diaz (Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy High School)
APS congratulates all the students who participated for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to envisioning a better Atlanta.
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