Milton High School Choral Director Wins $7,500 Prize

Four Fulton educators received the surprise of their lives when Superintendent Robert Avossa and Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education leaders showed up at their schools to present them with a $7,500 prize.

The recognized teachers/principal are:

• Drew Bowers, choral director – Milton High School
• Nicole Ford, STEM teacher – Feldwood Elementary School
• Chantrise Holliman, ninth grade English teacher – Westlake High School
• Dan Sims, principal – Tri-Cities High School

AFAEE worked quietly with Fulton school administrators and support staff to throw surprise parties for the winners. Some were surprised by a knock at their door in the middle of a lesson while others were called to “mandatory meetings.” Winners were celebrated with balloons, over-sized checks, gifts for their students, and appearances by special mascots and guests.

“While these educators are undoubtedly loved by their school community, this awards program isn’t a popularity contest,” Avossa stated. “They are making a real difference for our students and our schools, and we are fortunate to have them among our ranks.”

The Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education was conceived as a way to recognize the “best of the best” in Atlanta education. By recognizing outstanding educators each year, the program hopes to help school districts retain excellent teachers and school leaders, inspire other educators to transform their craft, and increase the public’s awareness of educator and student success across metro Atlanta.

Educators were nominated by coworkers, students, parents and the general community and were selected through their demonstration of excellence in three areas – raising student achievement, enhancing students’ self-esteem and collaboration with multiple stakeholders for the benefit of students.

The $7,500 prize includes $3,500 for innovative classroom projects; $1,500 for professional development; and $2,500 that can be used as a personal stipend.

AFAEE has operated the recognition program over the past nine years with Atlanta Public Schools but this year expanded it to include Fulton County Schools.

The 2014 winners will be celebrated formally on Nov. 6 with an awards ceremony at The Carter Presidential Center.

(Photo: Drew Bowers of Milton High School was one of four winners in the school system of $7,500 from Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education. Credit: Fulton County Schools)