Class of 2007
From the Atlantc Civic Center you can hear the echoes of “Pomp and Cirucmstance.” Graduation highlights and a spotlight on some of Atlanta Public Schools’ top students are the focus of this month’s “APS Today.”
Graduation Day: The Class of 2007 moves on to the great expectations of life after high school graduation. But on graduation day, the grads and their families are basking in the excitement of the ceremony, which for some is a bittersweet occasion. The valedictorians, salutatorians, and other notable students share their perspectives on making a positive impact on the world.
The New Schools at Carver Student Profiles: The New Schools at Carver recently made the front page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a story about an almost 30-percent gain in its graduation rate since the school was reorganized as five small campuses. “APS Today” presents aspiring broadcaster Kadesha McCastle from the School of Technology and Early College math whiz Ikenna Ugwuh, two students who are making the most of their Carver education.
Carson Scholars: “I used to hate being poor,” neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson recently told some of the top math and science students in the district. And in his characteristic style, Dr. Carson went on to tell the 2006 and 2007 Carson Scholars how his education ensured that he would never confront poverty again.
Young Middle School Orchestra: Dalian and Dilon Bryan may not be household names to most music aficionados, but don’t be surprised if they rise to that rank. “APS Today” takes you to the premier performance of original compositions by the Young Middle School students. When you hear these works, you will not believe that the twin boys have only been studying music for one year!
Valedictorian Profiles: One valedictorian was raised in the Therrell High School community while the other began her education in Israel. Despite disparate beginnings, Southside High School senior Sarayfah Bolling and Contessa Monroe of Therrell High School now have at least one thing in common. They are the top students in their respective graduating classes.
Washington High School Student Profile: Brittany Swindle overcame the odds of being an “at risk” student raised in foster care to graduate as one of the top students at Washington High School. While she did not graduate as valedictorian or salutatorian, Brittany personifies perseverance and helps us to understand that achieving the goal is not always as important as striving to get there.
Our final story takes us outside to play…and to thank a big team of volunteers who have really improved the outdoor experience for students at East Lake Elementary School. And to think it all began with a student who looked at the former school playground and asked, “Where is the rest of it?”
