Atlanta Public Schools hosted the 2023 ApyeS Awards Gala at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis’ Atrium Ballroom. The district’s staff and their families gathered to honor 20 award recipients. Among them were the 2023-2024 District Excellence in Teaching award winner, 2023-2024 Principal of the Year award winner, and the 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year award winner. Check out this video for highlights from the monumental evening. Click here for a list of all the recipients.
After four years of hard work and a strong desire to be challenged, 40 high school seniors earned the honor of being recognized as Atlanta Public School’s (APS) Class of 2024 top scholars.
Earning the title of valedictorian, salutatorian, or STAR student, the honorees gathered at the Atlanta Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom for a luncheon featuring WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News anchor Fred Blankenship, and the South Atlanta High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jamont D. Lane.
APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle S. Battle addressed the scholars, commending their hard work and dedication, and offered guiding words of advice for the future.
“As you gear up for the next chapter—whether it’s college, military, entrepreneurship or diving into the professional pool—remember to pack your resilience, your wit, and a big thirst for learning,” Dr. Battle said. “You are prepared to be the real MVPs in the game of adulting.”
Each student was awarded a medallion and Hewlett-Packard laptop following a video tribute highlighting what their accomplishment meant to them.
Booker T. Washington High School’s honorees (see grid below) pose for commemorative photo with APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle and Atlanta Board of Education Chair, Erica Mitchell and Vice Chair Jennifer McDonald. Photo by: Ameer Linthicum, APS ©
For Brooke Shelton, Booker T. Washington High School’s Class of 2024 salutatorian, the occasion was bittersweet, as she shared that the significance of the recognition would mark a special and personal milestone.
“[Being salutatorian] means so much, especially after the passing of my father,” Shelton said. “To be able to stand here and just be a role model for other young LGBTQ students feels really good.”
“One thing we always said to each other was ‘We ain’t never scared,’” Shelton continued, fondly recalling her father’s words. “So I feel like he will continue saying that to me as I embark on this new journey of life.”
Shelton will be attending Huntingdon College with the aspiration of becoming a football coach and will also be an inaugural member of their first women’s black football team.
Morgan Walker, valedictorian of Charles R. Drew Charter School’s Class of 2024, also expressed the importance of his achievement, despite the challenges he and other students endured at the onset of his freshman year.
“To achieve valedictorian for my school has kind of been the great culmination of the effort I’ve put in the past four years, and it really is the capstone for all of the many things I’ve done throughout high school,” Walker said.
“We came into high school in the midst of the COVID pandemic,” he continued. “So my entire first year was virtual. But it was definitely a challenge that really set me up for the hardship that I would have to endure in high school, and I think I was better for it, really.”
Charles R. Drew Charter School’s honorees (see grid below) pose for commemorative photo with APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle and Atlanta Board of Education Chair, Erica Mitchell and Vice Chair Jennifer McDonald. Photo credit: Ameer Linthicum, APS ©
Walker will attend Covenant College in the fall and major in astrophysics. His fascination with the complexities of space and the nuances of diverse classifications within the field will prove to be an asset as a research astronomer.
“There’s an emerging field that’s really becoming popular nowadays called astrobiology. That’s the study of exoplanets and the potential for life in our universe. And I think because of my unique ability to be good at math but then also understand biology— which are very, very different— I think that would definitely be able to push us forward,” Walker said. “And plus, I’m a generally sociable guy, so that’s something that scientists definitely need. They need a charismatic kind of person to put up front and speak for them.”
Walker, along with each of APS’ 15 valedictorians and salutatorians, will have the opportunity to speak for their fellow students when the Class of 2024 officially transitions from high school during Commencement Week, May 21 — May 24 at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s McCamish Pavilion.
Graduation Details
*A printable packet containing pertinent details, as well as the Commencement Week schedule can be downloaded at https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/gradnation.
In addition to the STAR student recognition, 15 teachers were also honored as STAR teachers, receiving the recognition for being the most instrumental in their student’s academic development. Each took a photo with their student and was gifted an engraved glass trophy to mark the occasion.
All of the honorees reflect the district’s vision to operate as a high-performing school district where students love to learn and educators inspire. As the students joined the distinguished alumni before them, Dr. Battle expressed words of pride.
“You’ve tackled challenges like pros, showing us that there’s nothing you can’t handle. So, go forth, keep being awesome, and remember to laugh along the way.” Dr. Battle said.
| SCHOOL | VALEDICTORIAN | SALUTATORIAN | STAR STUDENT | STAR TEACHER |
| Atlanta Classical Academy | Andrew Heiskell | Lauren Woods | John Calhoun, IV | Dr. Kevin Roth |
| Benjamin E. Mays | Forest Cherry, III | Mishayla Dunlap | Jahsata Page | Ms. Rozelleanne Polydore |
| B.E.S.T. Academy | Emery Jones | Joshua Salami | Emery Jones | Mr. Reginald Goodrum |
| Booker T. Washington | Kash Walton | Brooke Shelton | Kash Walton | Ms. Sarah Hobbs |
| Charles R. Drew Charter | Morgan Walker | Frances Nicolson | Niles Holt | Ms. Courtney Bryant |
| Coretta Scott King Young Women Leadership Academy | Amariah Caudle | Christina McKelvey-Fludd | Amariah Caudle | Mrs. Audrey Potter |
| Daniel M. Therrell | Treyven Jamison | Imani Stover | Taylor Woods | Mr. Alexander Rose |
| Frederick Douglass | Dontavious Blount | Chanel Snachez | Deniesha Griggs | Mr. Yuri Stewart |
| G.W. Carver Early College | Aynia Grimes | Christina Perry | Ayanna Hale | Mr. Obi Chidebelu-Eze |
| G.W. Carver STEAM Academy | Kiarra Horton | Kamaria Anderson | — | — |
| KIPP Atlanta Collegiate | Kenedie Upshaw | Syania Brown | Tania Yasin | Mr. David Goins |
| Maynard H. Jackson | Liam Smith | Samuel Finlayson | Liam Smith Dean Fullerton | Mr. Bret Norman Mrs. Jacqueline Keeler |
| Midtown | Shalin Bhatia | Delia Schroeder | Nathan Gettig | Ms. Emily Dohogne |
| North Atlanta | Jane Heller | Miah Chien | Jillian Yoder | Mr. Elliott Reid |
| South Atlanta | Zachary Davis | Meilyn Motino | Meilyn Motino | Ms. Yesenia Combs |
View the slideshow below for a photo recap of the APS Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and STAR Student Luncheon. To view the gallery online, click HERE. Photo credits: Ameer Linthicum and Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Taylor Richardson, a 5th grade teacher at Burgess-Peterson Elementary School, was named the Atlanta Public Schools 2023-2024 APyeS! Awards Teacher of the Year. Photo: Atlanta Public Schools ©
On a cool and somewhat rainy evening in November, over 800 Atlanta Public Schools (APS) educators and support staff gathered in their formal best, along with family and friends, to celebrate and recognize the outstanding educational achievements of their colleagues.
Set amidst the moody backdrop of the Atrium Ballroom at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis, the APyeS! Awards Gala was a “Night with the Stars” featuring a reception, dinner, and the musical entertainment of some of APS’ most talented students.
WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News This Morning anchor Fred Blankenship served as the evening’s energetic master of ceremonies, setting the tone for a joyous occasion. APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle S. Battle and Atlanta Board of Education Chair Eshé P. Collins greeted the attendees, praising their hard work and dedication to APS’ 50,000 students.
The pinnacle of the evening occurred when Taylor Richardson, a 5th grade teacher at Burgess-Peterson Elementary School, was named the APS 2023-2024 District Excellence in Teaching Award Winner (also known as Teacher of the Year).
Taylor expressed her appreciation for the honor and thanked her family and co-workers for their support.
“For me to be recognized as the Teacher of the Year is just incredible,” said Taylor. “I am just so honored right now and grateful for my team at Burgess Peterson Academy, who has led me to this point, and of course, everyone in Atlanta Public Schools who push me to be an amazing educator daily.”
Taylor’s prestigious distinction will advance her to the Georgia Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Awards, where she will represent APS next spring.
APyeS! Awards winners were selected from an amazing pool of candidates, each of which embodied the APS 7 Core Values, which include putting students and schools first, committing to teamwork, focusing on communication, demonstrating respect for each other, being accountable, acting with integrity, and embracing and driving change.
Among the victors were Dr. Zawadaski Robinson, named the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year and Kristy Reese, named the 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year.
APS students from Continental Colony Elementary School, Dunbar Elementary School, and South Atlanta High School provided the entertainment at the 2023-2024 APyeS! Awards. Photos: Atlanta Public Schools and Allison M. Slocum ©
Additional award recipients include the following:
- O’Neisha Smith | Students First Winner
- Tommy Clay | Schools First Winner
- Danny Ellis II | Service First Winner
- Jay Bland | GO Team Excellence in Leadership Winner
- Sarah R. Smith Elementary School | Outstanding GO Team Winner
- Gigi Hines | Excellence in Family Engagement Parent Liaison Winner
- La Amistad Atlanta | Excellence in Family Engagement Community Winner
- Burgess-Peterson Academy | Excellence in Family Engagement School-Based Winner
- Atlanta Hawks | APS District Partner of the Year
- Tyler Perry Studios | Carver Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Finch Elementary School)
- IHG Hotels and Resorts | Douglass Cluster Partner Winner (in support of William M. Boyd Elementary School)
- Kilpatrick Townsend | Jackson Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Barack and Michelle Obama Academy)
- NCR | Midtown Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Hope-Hill Elementary School)
- Westrock | Mays Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Beecher Hills Elementary School)
- Westside Table | North Atlanta Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Bolton Academy)
- The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Inc. | South Atlanta Cluster Partner Winner (in support of South Atlanta High School)
- Ben Hill United Methodist Church | Therrell Cluster Partner Winner (in support of Fickett Elementary School)
- Westside Future Fund | Washington Cluster Partner Winner (in support of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School)
Guests enjoyed the musical talent of several student entertainers including South Atlanta High School’s Jonathan LaFluer and Josiah LaFluer, Continental Colony Elementary School’s Chorus Ensemble and Dunbar Elementary’s Student/Teacher Jazz Combo.
The APyeS! Awards were supported by a generous cohort of sponsors, including Family First Credit Union, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Dream, Cirque Du Soleil, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Atlanta Hawks, Illuminarium, Atlanta Beltline, Mercedes-Benz USA, The Roof at Ponce City Market, St. Regis Atlanta, Parker Poe, and RAI.
Please see the slideshow and video below for an event photo recap of the APyeS! Awards.
Photos from the 2023-2024 APyeS! Awards on November 11, 2023. Photos: Atlanta Public Schools and Allison M. Slocum ©
To view the complete APyeS! Awards photo gallery, click here.
WSB-TV news anchor Fred Blankenship called the Office of Communications earlier this week with a simple request: He wanted to do a story about single-gender schools and was hoping we could help. Our response: an overwhelming “yes!”
Not only did we tell him about the two incredible leadership academies at Mays High — the Eagle Academy for young men and the Dorothy Height Academy for young women — we also raved about the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy and B.E.S.T. Academy at Ben Carson.
Blankenship decided to visit BEST Academy for a glimpse at how the district prepares young men for success in college and career. BEST students explained that the school’s expectation of excellence helped pave the way to a bright future.
“As a journalist, I have to maintain a level of separation with my topic, but I applaud you, young man,” Blankenship told one student after the interviewing.
Principal LaPaul Shelton stressed the school’s customized approach to instruction, as well as an emphasis on hands-on activities, teamwork and character building as part of the blueprint for student achievement. BEST High School Principal Boris Hurst also provided insight on Phase Two of the BEST journey: success in high school. This year, APS celebrates its first freshman class at BEST High.
Look for feature during the 6:30 p.m. news cast this Sunday, Aug. 29.