Atlanta Public Schools celebrated 104 retirees at the 2025 APS Silver Star Retirement Luncheon. APS ©
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) hosted a memorable event to celebrate 104 dedicated employees whose collective service has helped shape the futures of thousands of students. Held at the Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom, the Silver Star Retirement Luncheon was a fitting tribute to those who have given their time, energy, and heart to the district.
Welcomed by FOX 5 News reporter and emcee Aungelique Proctor, the honorees, affectionately known as Silver Stars, walked down the red carpet to applause from the audience.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson offered heartfelt remarks to the retirees, acknowledging their immeasurable impact on students and the district.
“You have inspired students to discover their potential, encouraged them to aim high, and reminded them that they are seen, valued, and capable,” said Dr. Johnson. “These aren’t small things; they are the moments that change lives. They are the tools I saw in action during my first 100 days as superintendent. They are why I coined our mantra, ‘Excellence Everywhere.’”
2025 APS Silver Star Retirement: Aungelique Proctor, Dennis Greer, Dr. Bryan Johnson, Dr. Constance Stevenson, Cynthia Briscoe Brown — APS ©
Atlanta Board of Education member Cynthia Briscoe Brown also addressed the group and thanked them for their years of dedication.
“You made a difference simply by showing up with heart and purpose each day,” said Briscoe Brown.
Each retiree was individually recognized and presented with a commemorative trophy, honoring their contributions and legacy within the district.
Among the afternoon’s highlights was the special recognition of five Silver Stars whose service to APS spans more than four decades:
- Dr. Annette Allen, Division of Student Experience — 42 years
- Gail Brumfield, Boyd Elementary School — 40 years
- Marcia Edmondson, Division of Finance — 40 years
- Randall Faulkner, Division of Information Technology — 40 years
Dr. Annette Allen was the Atlanta Public Schools 2025 retiree with the most APS years of service. APS ©
Dr. Allen, a highly respected speech-language pathologist, was recognized for having the longest continuous full-time service in Atlanta Public Schools.
The retirement celebration served not only as a farewell but as a profound expression of gratitude. Please help us celebrate these Silver Stars by reading a few of their reflections:
Aresenia Dingle — 35 Years of Service
“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”
Tammie Harris-Roach — 7 Years of Service
“So grateful to APS for allowing me to serve the best students in the world and to work with the best fellow educators. The personal growth that I made in APS is immeasurable.”
Dorothy Lewisgrace —13 Years of Service
“Whether we coach, advise, counsel, facilitate, or mentor, the effectiveness of what we do depends in large measure on our beliefs about human potential.”
Dr. Ovula Murphy — 28 Years of Service
“As a proud APS alumna, I gave my best to every student, family, teacher, and leader I served—just as the teachers and leaders in APS gave their best to me. Those in APS today must continue this legacy of excellence, ensuring every student and family receives nothing but the best.”
Traci Sims — 31 Years of Service
“For 31 years, it was the relationships—with students, colleagues, and families—that carried me and made my journey all worthwhile.”
Shirley Young-Hodges — 8 Years of Service
“Every opportunity you are given should be done with pride.”
Karen Wright — 30 Years of Service
“Children are not only our future, but also our present. They are the inspiration and motivation that fuel our progress, reminding us of the responsibility to build a world where their dreams can become a reality.” —Unknown
Dr. Margul Retha Woolfolk — 34 Years of Service
“Put Students FIRST! Children were born for GREATNESS!”
Ms. Fawn Whitaker — 33 Years of Service
“Deal with what was, be happy with what is, and be open to what is to come.”
Dr. Rodney Ray — 29 Years of Service
“Success is failure turned inside out!”
Dr. Constance Stevenson — 2 Years of Service
“Although my time in Atlanta Public Schools has been brief, I hope my impact has been bountiful. I encourage my colleagues to continue prioritizing effective communication with our families and to support leaders in reflecting the values of APS. Your work is essential to the overall success of ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.”
Mr. Robert Wantland — 10 Years of Service
“I am thankful for the opportunity APS gave me to have a job that was fun every day.”
Erica Donelson — 31 Years of Service
“I may have taught critical and creative thinking skills in my role as a gifted teacher, but my students taught me patience, purpose, and the power of love. Teaching was never just a job; it was my heart.”
Enjoy the below photo slideshow of the 2025 APS Silver Star Retirement Celebration. APS ©
