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Atlanta Public Schools Celebrates 10 Alonzo A. Crim Award Recipients for the 2025-2026 School Year

by Alicia Lurry
written by Alicia Lurry

Bearing a large presentation check, glass trophy, and personalized certificates, members of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Office of Equity + Social Justice traveled across the district in May to surprise and thank the newest cohort of Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients — staff and schools that demonstrate significant impact in our school communities.

The Office of Equity + Social Justice received over 60 nominations this past spring, with each finalist being nominated by a peer or colleague for their commitment and dedication to advancing educational equity in Atlanta Public Schools. Finalists were selected based on qualities that include:

  • Championing a culture of belonging and inclusion.
  • Amplifying diverse voices by cultivating self-love, appreciation, and respect for others.
  • Modeling asset-based views of the APS community by acting with cultural competence in interactions, decision-making, and practice.
  • Demonstrating critical self-reflection about identity, beliefs, and biases.

This year’s Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients include three teachers, three social workers, one school psychologist, and three schools. All were recognized for their unyielding commitment and efforts to help all APS students thrive and succeed. 

Sean Freeman, a performing arts and dance teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, was lauded for including students with disabilities in the learning experience and ensuring that those with special needs feel valued and supported. His nominator, Sachi Richardson, an art teacher at Washington High School, described Freeman as “a firm believer in cultural representation and rigorous learning,” who has worked hard to ensure that his students are exposed to dance forms from all over the world, helping them understand and appreciate different cultures.” 

Richardson also praised her colleague for showcasing various dance styles and collaborating with the World History department to ensure that students learned the historical significance of their performances. She proudly noted that Freeman also helped secure SPLOST funds for major theater upgrades for Washington and four additional schools in the district.

“When we talk about equity in education, we’re talking about making sure that every student — regardless of their background — gets the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed,” Richardson said. “And if there’s one person who embodies this mission, it’s Sean Freeman. His tireless dedication to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, and resources makes him the perfect nominee.”

Dr. Terriyln Rivers-Cannon, a social worker at West Manor Elementary School, national president of the School Social Work Association of America, and 2019 National School Social Worker of the Year by the School Social Workers Association of America, was awarded for her leadership, mentorship, and extraordinary commitment to advancing equity across Atlanta Public Schools and the state of Georgia. One nominator praised Dr. Rivers-Cannon for bringing marginalized voices into spaces where decisions are made and mentoring others to do the same.

“She advocates for trauma-informed care, mental health support, and multi-tiered interventions to ensure that every student has a pathway to success. Through her podcast and public speaking, she creates platforms for equity conversations that reach beyond district lines,” assistant principal Angela Thomas wrote in her nomination letter. “Dr. Rivers-Cannon doesn’t just work in equity—she lives it. She brings marginalized voices into spaces where decisions are made, and she mentors others to do the same.” 

“Her leadership has made a lasting impact in APS and beyond, influencing policy, practice, and hearts. Her work fully aligns with the APS Equity Commitments, particularly those focused on eliminating practices that produce disparate outcomes and building the capacity of equity-minded leaders,” Thomas concluded.

Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients serve one-year terms as ambassadors for advancing equity across the district, participate in equity-focused professional learning opportunities to expand capacity, and collaborate with the APS Office of Equity + Social Justice on key initiatives. 

In addition to district recognition, Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients are awarded access to microgrants (up to $5,000) to support initiatives and activities that improve APS in the service of students. 

Congratulations to the 2025 APS Alonzo A. Crim Award recipients! We appreciate all that you do on behalf of our APS scholars!

Here is the complete list of 2025 APS Alonzo A. Crim Award Recipients:

Dr. Terrilyn Rivers-Cannon, Social Worker, West Manor Elementary School

Sugel Cruz, Social Worker, Sutton Middle School

Samuel Davis, Music Teacher, Therrell High School

Kassandra Dixon, School Psychologist, KIPP West Atlanta

Sean Freeman, Performing Arts Teacher, Booker T. Washington High School

Tonya Holmes, Social Worker, Fickett Elementary School

Angela Marshall, Math Teacher, Midtown High School

School Awards:

B.E.S.T. Academy

Bunche Middle School

Dunbar Elementary School  

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Atlanta Public Schools Expanding Culturally Responsive Education Through Dual Language Immersion Program

by Illya Gonzalez
written by Illya Gonzalez

Imagine classrooms with students confidently conversing about instructional content in two languages while gaining a competitive edge in today’s globalized world. APS has a remarkable initiative known as the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program that teaches literacy and content to students in two languages. With a presence in seven APS schools and a growing enrollment of approximately 1,800 students from pre-K to eighth grade, the program is expanding its reach to nine schools and over 2,000 students in the coming year.

As a part of this ongoing initiative, APS recently partnered with Georgia State University (GSU) to host a two-day professional learning session for DLI teachers at Sutton Middle School.

Three scientists visited from Mexico as a part of an Atlanta Global Research & Education Collaborative project titled, “Supporting and bridging Native science between Mexico and Atlanta’s K-12 dual language immersion: Digital curriculum development and adaptation.”

APS DLI Coordinator Grethel Pedroarena (far right) with the Sue Kasun (far left) and three college educators from the Intercultural University of Veracruz in Mexico.

The project was created to address the lack of science curriculum in partner languages in elementary and middle DLI schools, making APS the perfect co-host.

Sue Kasun, an educator from GSU, shared with the teachers some of the transformative work happening within the program, emphasizing a recent collaboration with three college educators from the Intercultural University of Veracruz in Mexico, who are deeply connected to the Totonaco community, one of Mexico’s indigenous groups.

Highlighting the resilience and cultural richness of the Totonaco community, Kasun called attention to their use of ancestral wisdom to cultivate crops like corn, beans, and squash. This traditional farming method, deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge, sustains the community and embodies sustainable agricultural practices aligned with Western science principles.

Dr. Margaret McKenzie, the Director of Multilingual Programs and Services at APS, spoke about the importance of creating Professional Learning (PL) opportunities to assist teachers in their instruction.

“These scientists have created resources that support our DLI Spanish curriculum, which explores a cultural practice that meets Georgia science standards,” Dr. McKenzie said.

APS Dual Language Immersion Teachers.

By integrating cultural practices into science education, the goal is for students to not only deepen their understanding of scientific concepts but also develop a profound connection to different communities.

Educational tools like the book “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer also assist in making the connection between indigenous communities in the U.S. and Mexico.

“APS is willing to open the doors and try innovative approaches that work toward equity, inclusion, and building communities that are deeply meaningful to young people,” Kasun said.

An example of APS successfully integrating cultural practices into science education is evident through units of study piloted in a fifth-grade class taught by Isabel Marsh at Garden Hills Elementary School.

Through a partnership with Dr. Kasun in 2022, Marsh developed a culturally responsive curriculum with the University of Veracruz that incorporated hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and culturally relevant materials, giving her students a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and a stronger connection to their cultural heritage.

Curated lessons like Marsh’s fifth grade class and professional opportunities like GSU’s learning session illustrate the success of the DLI program at APS and create opportunities for growth in other areas.

“Research has proven that English learners who are in DLI will make more rapid and solid gains in English proficiency and academic achievement,” Dr. McKenzie said. “It is a very exciting program for APS.”

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Igniting Tolerance: Sutton Middle School’s Inspiring Fireside Chat with Ambassador Andrew Young

by Allison M. Slocum
written by Allison M. Slocum

Sutton Middle School Fireside Chat with Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Danielle Battle. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Atlanta, Georgia has often been referred to as the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement, serving as the home to several key leaders who fought for desegregation and the rights of all African Americans.

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is situated in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement’s epicenter, providing invaluable access to historical leaders who continue advocating for the rights of others today.

Sutton Middle School students received the opportunity to learn from a notable figure, United States Ambassador Andrew Young, as the school hosted a Fireside Chat including Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle in celebration of Black History Month.

Each school year, Sutton Middle School picks a theme that they weave into the fabric of everything they do and encourage the surrounding community to reflect on how they can incorporate the theme into their everyday lives. This school year, that theme is tolerance.

Likewise, each month, the students focus on different International Baccalaureate responsibilities called learner profiles. The profile for the month of February is focus.

Sutton Middle School principal Dominique Merriweather served as the moderator for the chat and asked both Ambassador Young and Dr. Battle several questions curated to explore both concepts.

Ambassador Young shared advice and gems of wisdom, amassed over 91 years, stressing the importance of not letting the hatred and insecurities of others fill their hearts with hatred in return.

He also gave them insight into how his willingness to talk to and work with people of all races played a significant role in his ability to assist in bringing the Olympic Games to Atlanta in 1996 and garnered the support he needed to become a Georgia senator, the mayor of Atlanta and ultimately a United States Ambassador.

Dr. Battle echoed similar guidance, emphasizing the importance of respecting everyone and treating others like family. She also touched on the district’s academic, safety, and supportive resources efforts, highlighting the significance of Social Emotional Learning and conflict resolution.

Here is a small glimpse of the enriching discussion that took students on a journey of growth and understanding. A lasting impression that is meant to be paid forward.

U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young at the Sutton Middle School Fireside Chat. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Dominique Merriweather (DM): Throughout your life, you’ve encountered many challenges and obstacles. How did you, Ambassador, maintain resilience and optimism in the face of adversity, and what advice would you give us when facing these similar challenges?

Andrew Young (AY): I believe because I was born in the midst of adversity in a neighborhood with a lot of different forces 30-40 feet from where I was born, that it wasn’t a matter of tolerance; it was a matter of survival. I had to get along with people to keep from getting beat up going to the grocery store. And I learned to appreciate people. I learned there was something good about everybody, even if they didn’t know it, and even if they didn’t act like it. I never had any problem with people who were racist because I understood that they just hadn’t had an opportunity to know anybody, and they were listening to what their grandparents and great-grandparents might have said about things that they heard that came from slavery. And I never took offense when they didn’t appreciate me. And part of it is you’ve got to get yourself anchored in, well, I learned earlier that in my family, it was anchored in the Lord. Now, my grandmama was blind, she lived to be 86 years old, and she lost her sight when she was 80. She used to make me read the Bible to her. Every day, I had to read the Bible and the newspaper, and the reason I supported the lottery here was I not only had to read the newspaper, but I had to find out what the numbers were. My grandmama liked to play the numbers, nickel and dime. But because my grandmama played the numbers, I supported the Georgia Lottery with Governor Zell Miller, and I think we’ve got a million more college students in Georgia on the Hope Scholarship. I think all the things that happen in your life have some meaning to it. Some can have a negative meaning, and some can have a positive meaning. And that was a song when I was growing up. “You’ve got to accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mr. In Between.”

APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle at the Sutton Middle School Fireside Chat. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

DM: Dr. Battle, you mentioned in your bio your plan to lead forward with C.A.R.E. (compassion, accountability, respect and empathy). Could you elaborate on what caring looks like in your role when you’re meeting with your current stakeholders?

Danielle Battle (DB): What care looks like to me is respecting everyone. A lot of times we say that, but I want to, and I always try to model that. But leading forward with care— no matter what building I walk in, no matter where I go to represent Atlanta Public Schools or myself, I’m always going to be cordial to everyone, talk to everyone, because everyone matters. People like to be respected, people like to be recognized, people like to know that you see them. It’s important to also be a great listener because people have things they want to say. It’s important that no matter who they are, no matter what their zip code may be, no matter what their job title may be, or no matter whose mother or father they are, or sister or brother they are, we walk and we treat that person like they’re our family.

So just making sure that I model that behavior. And then not just me, but the entire district, because it’s not a one-pony show. Atlanta Public Schools is comprised of thousands and thousands of employees, and when I say we’re leading forward with care, it’s we’re leading forward with care. As we say, Atlanta is the place that influences everything. We want Atlanta to influence [the message that] tolerance is where it is and what’s happening in the world.

AY: Let me put a little something on that. I’ve got nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. And I try to tell them all the time that they have got to be forces of decency and kindness and love in school. And where that starts for me, and I’m talking to the students now, when I started speaking to my teachers and when I went into the classroom, I didn’t go in the back of the room. I went by the front desk and said good morning Mrs. Jones. So, good morning, speaking and calling a teacher by name may be the difference between a C and a B. It also may be a difference between a D and an F. But I guarantee you, the way you act in relationship to your teachers influences what your teachers think about you. And when you smile all the time, and when you always have the right answer and you’re kind to your classmates, that’s an A student.

DM: What role do you see young people playing in shaping the future of our district here in Atlanta Public Schools?

DB: Our students play a vital role because we couldn’t do what we do without you, first of all. But secondly, you have a lot to say, and we’re always here to listen to it. I noticed you have a student council, but on the district level, where we have a Superintendent’s Student’s Advisory Council where the students come to share with us great ideas. They meet with our board of education, and they share with us because they’re in the trenches every day. The things that they share, we implement. I mean, student voices are important. You’re going lead the way. You are already leading the way. We’re starting with our high schools, but definitely, we’re here to listen to what you have to say. But we also know that sometimes, when you come to ideas that are out there, that are way out there, we think about it, and there are some great things that happen to our students. So, just know that your voices matter. Always share what you’re thinking because I always say students have the answers.

Enjoy the below slideshow of photos from the Sutton Middle School Fireside Chat. View online here. Photos: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Also, check out the video recap below from the Sutton Middle School Fireside Chat. APS ©

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APS Squads Impress at Metro Cheerleading Championships

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Mays Cheer 2017 (APS Champions)

The Mays co-ed (above), KIPP Atlanta Collegiate and KIPP Metro squads all took first place in their respective divisions at the 2017 Atlanta Public Schools Metro Cheer Competition, held Saturday at Douglass High School.

Atlanta Public Schools cheerleading squads flexed their muscles and voices at the 2017 APS Metro Cheerleading Competition, held Saturday at Douglass High School.

An APS squad placed in nearly every category, with the Mays co-ed, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate and KIPP Metro Middle School squads taking home championships. Mays won the Co-Ed Division Championship, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate won the AA Division Championship and KIPP Metro won the A Middle School Division Championship.

Other APS squads placing in the top three were:

Atlanta Classical Academy, High School Junior Varsity Division, Third Place
Washington, High School AA Division, Third Place
Maynard Jackson, High School AAAAA Division, Third Place
North Atlanta (Below), High School AAAAAA Division, Second Place

North Atlanta Cheerleading 2017
KIPP Vision, Middle School A Division, Second Place
Drew Charter, Middle School A Division, Third Place
Brown (Below), Middle School AA Division, Second Place

Brown Middle School Cheerleaders 2017
Sylvan Hills, Middle School AA Division, Third Place
Bunche, Middle School AAA Division, Second Place
Sutton, Middle School AAA Division, Third Place

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Bunche Middle Sweeps Track and Field Titles, Sutton Middle Takes Both Soccer Championships

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

The boys and girls soccer teams at Sutton Middle School won the Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Soccer Championships. The boys defeated Inman Middle School while the girls beat Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.
The boys and girls soccer teams at Sutton Middle School won the Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Soccer Championships. The boys defeated Inman Middle School while the girls beat Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.

The boys and girls soccer teams at Sutton Middle School won the Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Soccer Championships. The boys defeated Inman Middle School while the girls beat Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.

Sutton Middle School swept the girls and boys titles in the Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Soccer Championships.

The girls blanked Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, 2-0. Kate Jackson and Josie Bird scored for Sutton. Katie was named Player of the Year.

The boys’ team defeated Inman on penalty kicks (5-3) after the teams finished the game in a scoreless tie. In the penalty kick session, Sutton converted on all five of its attempts with goals scored by Alexi Cesbello, Jesus Moreno, Emi Mendoza, Fernando Nina and Ceasar Montez. Sutton’s goalkeeper, Aidan Moore, was named Player of the Year.

In track and field, Bunche Middle School swept the girls and boys titles in the APS Track and Field Championships. The Bunche girls (68 points) edged Inman Middle (65) for the team championship, while the Charger boys (95) won by a comfortable margin over second place Martin Luther King Middle (75 ½).

Among several outstanding performances in the meet were:

— KIPP Metro’s girls 400- and 1,600-meter relay teams took first in both events, posting times of 52.84 seconds and 4:24.58, respectively.

— Dequan Tate of KIPP Metro won the 400 meters in a time of 52.95.

— Bunche’s 400-meter relay team took first in a time of 45.36.

— KIPP Metro’s 1,600-meter relay team edged Bunche’s squad – 3:46.16 to 3:46.30 – for first place in the event

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Young Middle School Wins First ELS, Inc. Reading Competition

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

jean-childs-young-middle-school

Students at Jean Childs Young Middle School won the ELS, Inc. Reading Plus Achievement Award by reading more than three millions words during the months of August and September. ELS made the announcement last week.

Educational Learning Systems, Inc. (ELS, Inc.) has announced that Jean Childs Young Middle School is the winner of its Reading Plus Achievement Award for the months of August and September. For their efforts, the students and teachers at Young Middle will receive a championship banner and $200 for the school.

ELS, Inc., is a provider of research-based K-12 math and reading online curriculum and professional development programs. Reading Plus is a web-based program created by ELS, Inc. for students in grades three through 12. Young Middle school students won the award over nine other Atlanta Public Schools middle schools by reading more than three million words with 80 percent accuracy during the months of August and September.

“What an outstanding start-up performance during the months of August and September by the Reading Plus team at Jean Childs Young Middle School,” ELS, Inc. Vice President Virginia Stoner said in a statement. “We selected as our award criteria the ‘Total Number of Words Read’ – a total of 3,225,415 words read with 80 percent accuracy at Jean Childs Young Middle School.”

According to Stoner, the competition will continue through the remainder of the school year with a different criteria category each month.

“We look forward to recognizing more outstanding performances from the APS Middle Schools,” Stoner said. “Let the competition begin.”

Rounding out the top five behind Young Middle were Sutton, Inman, Sylvan Hills and Harper-Archer.

 

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Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High Host Inaugural All-Girls Chess Tournament

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Chess girls rock – and rook!

Sutton Middle and North Atlanta High schools’ chess teams recently hosted the inaugural session of Chess Girls Rook! Female Empowerment Tournament at Sutton’s sixth-grade campus. The tournament is named after the rook, a chess piece that moves any number of unoccupied squares in a straight line, horizontally or vertically.

Chess expert Bella Belegradek directed the all-girls tournament, which was held Sept. 17, while Disney representatives distributed free passes of the film, “Queen of Katwe,” to players and their families.

“It was a pleasure to see all those girls competing in a traditionally male-dominated game,” Belegradek said. “Chess, like math and science, is a great tool to foster independent thinking and decision making. I hope more girls will join competitive chess and the Georgia Chess Association through this tournament.”

Twenty-one girls across metro Atlanta competed. Sutton seventh grader Maya Dickson played in the top section (U1000) and won the tournament with 3.0 points after four rounds. Sutton seventh grader Nneka Otuonye tied for second place in the next section (U600).

“Sutton Middle School Chess was honored to offer this opportunity,” said Vernetta Head, parent liaison to the school’s chess teams. “With the support of the school and the community, we were able to offer a first-class event. We look forward to doing it again next year.”

Sutton Middle School will host the Georgia Chess Association’s 2016 Georgia K-12 Grade Level Championships on Saturday, Nov. 5, followed by the David J. Winter Invitational Scholastic Tournament in April 2017.

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Sutton Middle School Band & Orchestra to Perform at Carnegie Hall

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Sutton MS Band & Orchestra

Sutton Middle School Band and Orchestra students will perform at Carnegie Hall on Friday, March 25, as part of the Worldstrides Festival.

By: Alicia Sands Lurry

Students from Willis A. Sutton Middle School are doing big things in the Big Apple.

On Friday, March 25, the Sutton Middle School Band and Orchestra will perform at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. While there, Sutton students will join elite orchestra and band groups from across the country to participate in the annual WorldStrides Festival held at Carnegie Hall. An invitation-only program, the festival features groups who qualify by either receiving a Gold rating at a WorldStrides Heritage Performance adjudicated music festival, or by audition. The Sutton Middle School groups received an invitation through an exceptional performance at the Orlando Festival.

As part of the festival, ensembles work directly with world-renowned conductors and judges who are also dedicated educators with a passion for passing on their skill and love of music.

Sutton MS Band & Orchestra 2

Under the respective orchestra and band direction of Krissi Davis and Gregory Denson, Sutton students will perform on the Ronald O. Perelman Stage in the Isaac Stern Auditorium, the largest performance venue at Carnegie Hall.

WorldStrides Heritage Performance programs congratulated Mr. Denson, Ms. Davis and the Sutton Middle School Band and Orchestra for earning this once-in-a-lifetime invitation.

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Metro Cheer Squads Prep for Regionals at APS Cheer Competition

by talkupaps
written by talkupaps

Grady Cheerleaders

The APS Metro-Atlanta Cheer Competition will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at Benjamin E. Mays High School. Varsity competition starts at 10 a.m. Middle schools will compete following the completion of the varsity competition.

APS has spirit, yes we do! APS has spirit, how about you?!

The cheers, chants and stunts are bound to be a lot more involved than that when Benjamin E. Mays High School hosts the fifth annual Atlanta Public Schools Metro-Atlanta Cheerleading Competition, Saturday (Oct. 31), beginning at 10 a.m.

More than 30 competition cheer squads from across the metro Atlanta will compete in four separate divisions this year – varsity, junior varsity, co-ed and middle school. Last year’s varsity champion, Mays, will seek to defend its title on its home mats.

Atlanta Public Schools Athletic Director Jasper Jewell said the event has grown steadily in popularity as metro area squads sought a quality competition that was closer to their schools.

“Our competition has become popular and sparks the interest of so many schools in the metro area because of its location, Jewell said. “There are not a lot of options inside of I-285. Also, teams know they will see good competition here, and with regional competitions beginning in the first week of November, our event provides a great warm up.”

More than 30 competition cheer squads from around the metro area will compete in four separate divisions -- varsity, junior varsity, co-ed and middle school.

More than 30 competition cheer squads from around the metro area will compete in four separate divisions — varsity, junior varsity, co-ed and middle school.

Along with the growth of the event, Jewell said he has seen growth and improvement in competitive cheerleading in the district over the past five years.

“I remember when the only competition squad we had was Mays,” Jewell said. “This year, we have full competition mats in all of our high schools and all of our middle schools. And more of our squads are entering competitions outside of ours. Last year, for the first time we had three teams qualify for the state [cheerleading] meet – Douglass, Grady and Mays.  It’s a great opportunity for our student-athletes.”

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