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 ©