I Am APS Sneakers and Scholarships Sneaker Ball

The third annual I Am APS Sneakers and Scholarships Award Ball, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, blended elegance with unmistakable Atlanta flair, formalwear paired with fresh sneakers, community pride, and a room full of belief in what Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students can become. The evening opened with a stirring performance by the South Atlanta High School Band, followed by a dynamic routine from the South Atlanta Dance Team, grounding the night in pure APS talent and energy.

What the scholarship finalists didn’t know was that they weren’t just hopeful candidates. They entered the room believing they were simply possible recipients—never imagining they would soon hear their own names called. When the announcements began, surprise rippled through the room. Eyes widened. Hands flew to mouths. Joyful laughter mixed with tears as students stood to learn they were scholarship winners, each receiving $6,875, an amount more than any of them had expected.

“It means everything,” said Sydney Young, a senior from North Atlanta High School and recipient of the Student Athlete Award. “It’s giving me a chance to actually focus on my studies and take the financial pressure off.” As she prepares for her next chapter, Sydney added, “APS really cares for us. They support our dreams and encourage us to keep pushing forward.”

That sense of belief resonated just as strongly with Kaylee Stith of Midtown High School, recipient of the Entrepreneurship Award. “It means I can take my academic journey seriously without the strain of loans,” she shared. “Atlanta Public Schools creates students who create change, and this investment proves it.”

For Asha Elliott, a senior at Maynard Jackson High School, the moment was both shocking and affirming as she accepted the Future Educator Award. “To me, it means impact—making a change,” she said. “APS invested in my resilience. I’ve been prepared to navigate challenges, and I’m really proud to be here.”

The evening also honored APS alumni whose success now fuels opportunity for the next generation. Impact Award honoree Sheriff Craig D. Owens announced a powerful commitment to give $2,000 to the scholarship fund for every year he serves in office, while fellow honoree Ashanti Das pledged $1,000 annually, a testament to the lifelong connection APS builds with its graduates.

Scholarships were made possible through the generous support of Chick‑fil‑A, The Coca‑Cola Company, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, whose continued sponsorship helps ensure APS students are equipped, empowered, and prepared for life beyond graduation.

More than a celebration, the I Am APS Sneakers and Scholarships Award Ball was a moment of belief made real. And for these students, the surprise of the night was more than the amount, it was the message: APS sees you, invests in you, and has equipped you to thrive.

2026 I Am APS Scholarship Recipients

(Each student received a $6,875 scholarship)

• Taylor Harper – Charles R. Drew Charter School
  Community Advocacy Award | College: TBD
• Kymani La Corbinere – Benjamin E. Mays High School
  Community Advocacy Award | College: Kennesaw State University
• Alexandra Price – Charles R. Drew Charter School
  Entertainment Award | College: Kennesaw State University
• Nhenze De Jesus – Charles R. Drew Charter School
  Entertainment Award | College: Georgia Institute of Technology
• Samuel West – Charles R. Drew Charter School
  Entrepreneur Award | College: New York University
• Kaili Stith – Midtown High School
  Entrepreneur Award | College: Howard University
• Asha Elliott – Maynard Jackson High School
  Future Educator Award | College: St. John’s University
• Shaniya Gullatt – Benjamin E.. Mays High School
  Future Educator Award | College: Georgia State University
• Myla Randall – North Atlanta High School
  Student Athlete Award | College: Kennesaw State University
• Sydnie Young – North Atlanta High School
  Student Athlete Award | College: Georgia Institute of Technology
• Anaiah Ebron‑Williams – Maynard Jackson High School
  Trailblazer Award | College: Kennesaw State University
• Genesis Morgan – South Atlanta High School
  Trailblazer Award | College: TBD