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Booker T. Washington High School

2024 APS baseball season set to begin

by Thomas Scott 8 Feb 2024

written by Thomas Scott

APS is ready for baseball season! The APS baseball teams introduced themselves and shared their goals for the upcoming season during the APS Baseball Media Day event at Therrell High School.

This year will be an exciting year for APS teams.

North Atlanta High School will replace two MLB draft picks and several seniors after going 27-7 and finishing 18-0 in region play last season. Still, head coach Ricky Plante spoke highly of this year’s roster, and the team is keeping its own high expectations.

Therrell High School head coach Ryan Christian, who won coach of the year last season, has built the Panther program to improve each season. The Panthers won 10 games last season, 8-8 in region play, and aim to be even better this season.

The Jackson Jaguars didn’t have much to say as far as words go, but head coach Des Stegall has the team focused on one thing. Winning. The Jaguars went 22-8 last season with a 13-3 region record. The team starts the season off with an exciting matchup against Redan.

Best Academy, Carver, Douglass, Drew Charter, KIPP, South Atlanta, Washington, Midtown and Mays also had the opportunity to give their insights on their respective teams and the upcoming season.

BEST Academy baseball
Carver baseball
Douglass baseball
Drew Charter baseball
Maynard Jackson baseball
Mays baseball
Midtown baseball
North Atlanta baseball
KIPP baseball
South Atlanta baseball
Therrell baseball
Washington baseball
Kelli Stewart, cofounder of L.E.A.D. Center for Youth
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-Lead
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Mekhi Smith, Crawford Long Middle School
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D. Trevon Wilbourn, John Lewis Invictus Middle SchoolFirst Team All-L.E.A.D.
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Tristian Wilbourn, John Lewis Invictus Middle School
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Jalen Duboise, Crawford Long Middle School
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Tymeco Cameron, John Lewis Invictus Middle School
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Brandon Muldrow, Jean Childs Young Middle School
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.: Julius Thames, Herman J. Russell West End Academy
APS Middle School Baseball First Team All-L.E.A.D.
Minority Baseball Prospects Founder Alex Wyche speaks at APS Baseball Media Day.
MLB scout Clarence Johns spoke at APS Baseball Media Day.

The future of APS baseball also had a moment to shine as well. The L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, founded by C.J. and Kelli Stewart, recognized its inaugural First Team All L.E.A.D. team comprised of student athletes from the L.E.A.D. APS Middle School Baseball Development League.

First Team All-L.E.A.D. Honors Team

Mekhi Smith, Crawford Long Middle School
Jalen Duboise, Crawford Long Middle School
Trevon Wilbourn, John Lewis Invictus Middle School
Tristian Wilbourn, John Lewis Invictus Middle School
Tymeco Cameron, John Lewis Invictus Middle School
Brandon Muldrow, Jean Childs Young Middle School
Julius Thames, Herman J. Russell West End Academy

APS also brought two guests with major league experience to speak at media day.

Alex Wyche, founder of Minority Baseball Prospects, gave his insights into how his database serves as a resource to help minority baseball players navigate recruiting and scouting. Clarence Johns, a professional major league scout, shared his journey through Major League Baseball and the professional side of evaluating talent for big league clubs.

Both provided insightful information for the APS student-athletes about their potential in the sport both on and off the field.

Opening Day is just around the corner for the 2024 APS baseball season, and the teams are ready to play ball.

8 Feb 2024 0 comment

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens visits Booker T. Washington High School for discussion with student leaders

by Thomas Scott 12 Jan 2024

written by Thomas Scott

The best and brightest at Booker T. Washington High School were beyond prepared for last week’s visit from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who joined the students for a sit-down conversation covering a plethora of issues that matter to students.

The students took advantage of this open forum with the mayor of their hometown and asked important questions about issues ranging from human trafficking to food insecurity, transportation, crime and more.

“We encourage our students to be very vocal about all topics and to be very educated about all topics, so that they can speak wisely when they’re discussing these topics,” Booker T. Washington High School principal William Wade said. “What you witnessed here today was student-voice. These students are geared to lead. They’re leaders in our school community. They are our go to people, our positive influencers here in our building.”

Mayor Dickens not only answered the students’ questions and shared what the city of Atlanta has been working on to address the various issues raised by the students, but also encouraged the students to influence their peers to want to solve the problems as well.

“It really gave me a look behind the scenes as to how it’s not just one person solving all the problems and doing everything, and how it’s more of a group effort,” Washington High School ninth grade student Samiya Bryant said. “I saw how important it was to the mayor that we had these issues, and we are willing to discuss them and that we want to bring about change.”

Several students even offered alternative solutions for the mayor to consider when it came to addressing the Water Boys who are known to disrupt traffic while selling their goods on street corners.

“It meant a lot for me today to start off this year talking to high school students that care about their community and care about their school,” Dickens said. “They had great questions. They were very engaged, attentive; and they want to make change in society.”

“I think we’re raising a village of future leaders at APS and within the city of Atlanta, and I think that these kids understand the group project that we’re doing together to solve societal problems and move Atlanta forward together,” he added.

Booker T. Washington High School is celebrating 100 years of educating students in Atlanta. Many of our nation’s great leaders graduated from Washington High School, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose holiday will be celebrated the Monday, January 15, 2024.

“This is one of Atlanta’s treasures. Booker T. Washington High School has meant so much to so many,” Dickens said. “Coming to this school, this year is special to me, and I’m honored by them inviting me.”

12 Jan 2024 0 comment

District record 8 APS football teams reach 2023 GHSA state playoffs

by Thomas Scott 10 Nov 2023

written by Thomas Scott

Atlanta Public Schools is all over the GHSA football state playoff brackets with a district record eight teams reaching the postseason.

North Atlanta (9-1), Therrell (9-1) and Mays (6-4) all finished second in their respective regions and earned the right to host their opening round playoff matchups.

North Atlanta continues to build on their historic program run. They not only posted their best regular season record, again, this year, but it will also be the first time the Warriors have ever finished second in the region and hosted a playoff game.

Therrell, South Atlanta (5-5), and Washington (3-7) all clinched a playoff spot from AA-Region 6.

The Douglass Astros (6-4) finished in third place in AAA-Region 5, which was two spots ahead of Carver (2-7).

Last, but not least, Jackson (5-5) finished in fourth place in AAAAA-Region 5, two spots behind Mays.

Here’s the schedule for this weekend’s APS playoff matchups:

Friday, Nov. 10

Mays vs. Loganville, 7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium

North Atlanta vs. Houston County, 7:30 p.m at Henderson Stadium

Carver vs. Stephens County, 7:30 p.m at Stephens County HS

Douglass vs. Oconee County, 7:30 p.m at Oconee County HS

Maynard Jackson vs. Jefferson, 7:30 p.m at Jefferson HS

Saturday, Nov. 11

Therrell vs. Model, 1 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium

South Atlanta vs. North Murray, TBA at North Murray HS

Washington vs. Rockmart, TBA at Rockmart HS

For the full GHSA state football playoff brackets, click here.

10 Nov 2023 0 comment

APS hoops ready for 2023 tip-off

by Thomas Scott 8 Nov 2023

written by Thomas Scott

High school basketball season tips off this week, and the APS boys and girls basketball teams are ready for another exciting season.

Before hitting the court, APS coaches and players introduced themselves and set their goals and expectations for the 2023-2024 season at the APS Basketball Media Day at Therrell High School.

“We want to give the young ladies and young men the opportunity to show what they predict about the season,” APS director of athletics Corrie Collier said. “We want our young people to represent themselves to the fullest. If they feel good about representing themselves, they’re going to represent their program, their school, and the district well. Anytime they can do well for themselves and their schools, we’re proud.”

Sylvester “Sly the Sports Guy” Williams and Joel Hillsman hosted an entertaining discussion with the teams to get a glimpse of what fans can expect to see this season.

Last season, 12 APS teams advanced to the Georgia High Schools Association state playoffs – seven boys and five girls squads. Some highlights were:

Maynard Jackson girls finished with a record of 26-2, won the Class 5A-Region 5 championship, and advanced to the state semifinals.
Midtown girls were 22-9, placed second to Maynard Jackson in the region, and advanced to the state quarterfinals.
Frederick Douglass boys advanced to the state semifinals after finishing second in Class 3A-Region 5.
Benjamin E. Mays boys finished 21-9, finished second in Class 5A-Region 5, and advanced to the state quarterfinals.
South Atlanta boys went 23-9, won the Class 2A-Region 6 title, and advanced to the state quarterfinals.

The players are excited to get the season started, and some didn’t balk at calling out which teams they couldn’t wait to play this season. The South Atlanta Hornets boys basketball team was called out by a couple of teams eager to match up against them, and the Booker T. Washington Bulldogs girls’ team has an early season matchup with the Mays Raiders that they’re looking forward to.

It’s gearing up to be an exciting year for APS basketball.

“I’m looking forward to watching these young ladies and young men just get out here and showcase what they’ve worked hard for and reap the benefits of it,” Collier said. “We have an interim superintendent, Dr. Battle, who loves athletics. I know she and her team will be right there rooting all of them on the entire way.”

8 Nov 2023 0 comment

IamAPS: Belle Williams

by Thomas Scott 27 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

I am APS is a special series highlighting students, faculty, alumni, and others in celebration of the rich and diverse experiences, backgrounds and contributions within the Atlanta Public Schools family. Together, we stand in solidarity of our shared admiration of APS and the mission which guides us. #IamAPS

Belle Williams, the freshman class president at Booker T. Washington High School, was immediately ready to take advantage of everything high school has to offer.

After starting middle school during the pandemic, being able to start high school in-person is a fresh new beginning for a student like Williams, who relishes the many opportunities that await her.

Williams shared how her first year in high school is going and what she’s looking forward to for the rest of her high school career.

Q: How have the first few months of high school been?

A: I really like high school. I started my middle school years in quarantine, so getting to start new and start fresh with a new GPA, new friends, new teachers, that was really cool starting a new year and actually being in school not on Zoom.

I really like the opportunities that I’m allowed here. I like what I’m exposed to. There are so many things I can do and say yes to, so many things I can say no to, which is awesome.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a student?

A: I would say I’m a mix of all of those profiles of a graduate. I may be giving myself too much credit, but I’m going to go for it. As a critical thinker and problem solver, that definitely ties into SGA. You have so many people telling you, ‘I don’t like this. I don’t like that. I kind of like that, but we can do this.’ And you have to put all of those problems and ideas together to create.

Academically, I’m very driven. I know if I fall off academically, everything else will fall as well. I think that makes me more driven and apply myself more to my goals.

I ask my teachers everything. They’ll all tell you I’m very curious. I’m very resourceful as well. At Washington, every teacher, faculty member will help you and get you what you need. When you come here, it’s a very open community. We’re a tight-knit community as well, but we’re open to everyone who comes in. Having these faculty and staff members who will help you when you need them has been key to being more resourceful.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent your freshman class?

A: It means a lot because kids are so opinionated these days. So winning their vote was great. My favorite part about it was campaigning. I really liked being able to meet a lot of people, but also as class president since I’m their voice and their representative, I have to ask them what they want for this school to be. It exposed me to meeting new people.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about Washington High School?

A: My favorite part of school is the community and my friends. We get our work done and we have fun.

27 Oct 2023 0 comment

IamAPS: Mason Jones

by Thomas Scott 26 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

Mason Jones, a senior at Booker T. Washington High School, has always had an interest in technology. Even before starting high school, Jones was intrigued by how technology works, the people making it and how it can help others. Throughout his APS journey, he has taken classes in coding and programming, joined a STEM club where they made games and computer software, and even experienced a software tournament while he was in middle school.

Now, he’s looking forward to finishing his senior year strong. We spoke with Mason to learn more about his experience through APS.

Q: What sparked your interest in technology?

A: Coming into high school, I was on that path. My teachers were happy to see that I was on that path. They have helped me ever since middle school, and they still are helping me. They’re still trying to get me to learn more and more about technology. My connection with everybody, friends and teachers included, helped me along the way to build up my knowledge and sociability and want to learn more and more.

Q: What are you looking forward to in your senior year?

A: I’m looking forward to doing better than I’ve done in previous years. I’m looking to find a college of my choice before the end of the year. I really hope they do make a coding club for this high school. I would definitely have joined if they did. I’m just really looking to make sure I live this school year to the fullest and make sure I do everything I want to do this year.

Q: How was your high school experience at Booker T. Washington High School?

I really had fun here. APS really has helped me throughout my years. They let students do what they do and still have fun while learning. I really enjoyed APS.

26 Oct 2023 0 comment

IamAPS: Tiara Poole

by Thomas Scott 26 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

Tiara Poole, a junior at Booker T. Washington High School, has APS in her DNA.

Her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother all went to Booker T. Washington High School, and now she’s blazing her own trail at the school.

Poole is a go-getter with a lot on her plate. Not only is she dual-enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, but she also started a clothing brand with her classmate and business partner, Hali Jordan.

Poole shared with us why she loves her school and the bright future she has ahead of her.

Q: How has Washington helped you pursue your goals?

A: Booker T. Washington has helped me with a lot. I have experienced new things being able to go outside the campus. It has helped me be able to work well with other people, people who are higher up than me. I’ve met a lot of people who want to go into the same field I want to go into after I graduate. I’ve been able to network with a lot of people, and it has taught me more about myself as far as what am I good at. Holding myself accountable, responsibility and things like that. It helped me make my final decision about where I want to go after high school. It’s a whole bunch of new experiences and I love that we get a chance to do that here.

I’ll be a sophomore (in college) when I graduate high school, so I want to finish my last two years at Clark Atlanta University and then I want to go to medical school. I either want to go to the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta or go to Xavier in Louisiana. I want to be an anesthesiologist… I want to be a doctor. I don’t want to be a nurse. I also wanted to hold the title of being the first doctor in my family.

Q: What does the legacy of your school and your family mean to you?

A: My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother all went to Booker T. Washington High School. It just got passed down as time went on. My mother went through the same academy as me, but at the time it was called The Star Academy, so she did the early college process as well.

My grandmother and great-grandmother went here because of the legacy that this school has behind it. Booker T. Washington was the founder of this school. He built this school up. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. went here. A whole bunch of other actors, singers, dancers and everybody who went here is really significant to the Black history, Black culture. The legacy that this school has and that it has with my family was what drew me here. It was my decision actually. My mom didn’t have to push me to go here.

I love my school. I love the history and the legacy it holds. I love the staff here and everyone that works here. It feels like a family here.

Q: How did you build connections while in school?

A: I am a part of many clubs here at Booker T. Washington. I’m a very active student. I’ve been a book club member since I was in ninth grade, and it’s been a very good experience for me and the other students. We got many different opportunities. Talked to many different people…

Me and my partner, Hali Jordan, already wanted to start a clothing brand, but we didn’t know specifically what we wanted to surround it around. So, we did it around gun violence, the anti-gun movement and Black rights. It’s called Living Legend, and it’s basically giving families who may have lost a loved one to a shooting or gang violence, something to remember their family members with.

26 Oct 2023 0 comment

Photos: APS Flag Football Invitational

by Thomas Scott 12 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

The Therrell Panthers came out on top after an exciting day at the second annual APS Flag Football Invitational tournament. Ten APS flag football programs competed in a bracket-style, win and advance tournament over the weekend at Carver High School and Lakewood Stadium. Several of the fast-paced games came down to the final possession. Click through the photos for a peak into Saturday’s exciting action.

The CSK Flag Football team came in second place at the second annual APS Flag Football Invitational.

12 Oct 2023 0 comment

APS teams ready for second Flag Football Invitational

by Thomas Scott 4 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

The ladies of fall are ready to get back on the gridiron this weekend at the second annual APS Flag Football Invitational.
Several high school programs participating in the invitational got the chance to hype up their program at the first APS flag football media day.

Players and coaches from each team took the stage to talk about their goals and what makes their team special heading into the season.

“I enjoyed media day. Being able to hear from every school and their perspective on the sport made me feel good,” Booker T. Washington senior multi-sport athlete Brooke Shelton said. “Hearing from other coaches, especially from teams that are more successful like North Atlanta or schools that win more than Washington does, it really inspires me to see like ‘Hey, I see what you’re doing.’”

The talking will be over Saturday, and the young ladies will hit the field at Carver High School and Lakewood Stadium for the APS Flag Football Invitational.

“We wanted to get this thing started off right before COVID hit, and COVID kind of put a damper on the numbers,” APS assistant athletic director Corrie Collier said. “But now that we’ve moved on a few years later, the numbers are starting to grow more and more. That’s why we’re having things like the media day and next week the invitational just to make sure that we show our young ladies that we support them, we’re proud of them and we’re going to do whatever we can to showcase them.”

Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy Flag Football
Douglass Flag Football
Jackson Flag Football
North Atlanta Flag Football
Mays Flag Football
Therrell Flag Football
Washington Flag Football
Washington Flag Football letterman patch.
APS Flag Football
APS Assistant Director of Athletics Corrie Collier
Panther Records.
Therrell Flag Football and APS Flag Football media day host Elise Rankins.

Make sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 7, and support these great athletes.

The seeding for the APS Flag Football Invitational tournament bracket was selected at random and split between the two locations. Here is the tournament schedule:

Lakewood Stadium
Mays vs. Therrell, 9 a.m.
South Atlanta vs. KIPP, 10 a.m.
Jackson vs. Mays/ Therrell, 11 a.m.
Semifinal, 1 p.m.
Championship game, 3 p.m.

Carver High School
CSK vs. North Atlanta, 9 a.m.
Washington vs. Douglass, 10 a.m.
Carver vs. CSK/ North Atlanta 11 a.m.
Semifinal, 1 p.m.

4 Oct 2023 0 comment

Around APS: September 2023

by Thomas Scott 2 Oct 2023

written by Thomas Scott

This slideshow provides just a glimpse at some of the amazing things that happened at Atlanta Public Schools in September. Click through to see the highlights from your school. A new slideshow will be posted at the end of each month, so be sure to subscribe to APS Today and look for your scholar or your school!

The Garden Hills Boosterthon Fun Run raised over $11K for our school. (photo: Katie Carlson)
The Garden Hills Boosterthon Fun Run raised over $11K for our school. (photo: Katie Carlson)
Trees Atlanta Urban Treetrackers program taught 3rd and 4th grade students at Garden Hills Elementary School about the water cycle and engaged their curiosity about our urban forest. (photo: Katie Carlson)
Booker T. Washington High School students met with local entrepreneurs representing minority and female-owned businesses during Minority Enterprise Development Week.
Bunche Middle School opened a new book vending machine on campus.
Deerwood Academy unveiled its new Out Teach outdoor learning space with an outdoor classroom and two raised veggie beds.
Deerwood Academy celebrates National Dot Day.
Heritage Academy celebrating Grandparents Day
Heritage Academy celebrating International Dot Day at Heritage Academy, where people of all ages are encouraged to tap into their creativity.
Student at Heritage Academy on International Dot Day at QuiverVision Augmented Reality station making a dot come to life.
The Dobbs Elementary School APS 5K race team.
Donuts for Dads at Dobbs Elementary School.
Dobbs’ National Grandparents Day Celebration.
Peyton Forest Elementary School students having a fancy tea party.
Peyton Forest Elementary students racing spheres using coding.
Sylvan Hills Middle School Homecoming Court
Grandparents Day at Boyd Elementary School.
Grandparents Day at Boyd Elementary School.
Goodr provided free groceries for the families at Boyd Elementary School.
Student of the Month breakfast sponsored by the West Manor PTO.
Serving breakfast at Grits with Grandparents at West Manor Elementary School.
Newbery Award winning authors Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko visit Burgess-Peterson Academy.
Dogtown Book Signing at Burgess-Peterson Academy.
Burgess-Peterson Academy had the largest attendance ever at the annual East Atlanta Village Strut Parade.
Dunbar Elementary MAP Masters Celebration.
Dunbar Elementary Grandparent and Caregivers Appreciation Breakfast.
Dunbar Elementary Bring Your Parents To School Day.
STEAM in action at Douglass High School.
STEAM in action at Douglass High School.
Douglass High School
Douglass High School Homecoming court.
Cheerleaders at the Douglass High School football game.
Hope-Hill Assistant Principal McCrary and Principal Gibbons_pop up attendance party where students got to throw water balloons at principal and assistant principal.
Hope-Hill Elementary students Maddy and Kari twinning in our Hope-Hill spirit wear.
Hope-Hill pop up attendance party where students got to throw water balloons at the principal and assistant principal.
Hope-Hill student surveyors making plans for new school playground.
John Lewis Invictus Academy students show their school pride.
APS alumni surprised students at Parkside Elementary.
East Atlanta Kids Club & DTP
Everybody Wins! Reading to our 1st & 2nd graders
Kindergarten Community Helpers at Parkside Elementary.