The Grady High School PTA in conjunction with Trees Atlanta honored APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall on Wednesday morning by planting a tree in her name. Officials from Grady, the Grady PTA, Trees Atlanta and the Atlanta Board of Education were on hand for the celebration, which recognized Dr. Hall’s being named national superintendent of the year last February.
Dr. Hall, Trees Atlanta Program Coordinator Robby Astrove and other officials joined in on the actual planting of the tree, an October Glory Maple, after Astrove desribed the importance of the tree. “This isn’t some plaque,” Astrove explained. “This is something that’s very interactive and very much alive. May we all return to this tree and recall the wonderful accomplishments you’ve had.” Dr. Hall grew emotional in accepting the honor, which was the brainchild of last year’s Grady PTA president, Susan Muntzing.
“The reason why I was more emotional than I have been in the past with these awards is this is something that will be here long after I’m the super and long after I’m alive,” Dr. Hall said. “To think that there’ll be generations of people who will walk by, see a nice tree, relax and sit and read, someone may think, ‘Who was this person and why did they plant this tree in their honor? And they do some research and find out about the work we’ve done. So this is a living award — living breathing, and will continue in the future.”
Said Muntzig: “Dr. Hall has done a fabulous job with Atlanta Public Schools, and it’s proven by her record. It’s very exciting that Atlanta has the longest-running superintendent among large cities, and we’re so lucky to have her. Dr. Hall understands Grady, and appreciates how Grady is such a special place.”