On April 14, the Atlanta Hawks took on the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena. But the night wasn’t just about basketball—it was also a way to recognize the success of our 2014 graduating seniors by acknowledging their academic achievement in a very public way.
The event really began on March 28, when Atlanta Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk came to the Reef House Learning Center to lead a Pep Rally. Then, before the game on April 14, fans and onlookers watched as 12 youth were recognized for their academic achievements. Future Foundation Board Chairman Eric Barnum spoke and presented two youth with special court level seats. Future Foundation staff then joined the students and their families in the Fan Tunnel to cheer the Hawks players as they entered the court.
The idea for the event came out of our Employee Innovation Program (EIP) team of Chris Latson, Otha William and Nita Scraver, who were looking for ways to highlight students from South Fulton County schools who participated in Future Foundation programs and are graduating from high school this year. Future Foundation Night is aligned with the foundation’s mission to provide health, education, and life skills enrichment to help youth successfully graduate.
“We’re well aware of the challenges in terms of graduating percentages in the surrounding community,” says Chris Latson, a Pathway Coach for Future Foundation’s College Park Enrichment Collaborative program. “That’s why we really wanted to honor these graduating seniors and give them an experience they would never forget.” Latson adds that Future Foundation plans to make the recognition an annual event.
Graduating seniors who were honored at Future Foundation Night were (high schools in parentheses):
Lindsey Clark (Shiloh)
Keyara Curry-Sims (Banneker)
Chad Gordon (Grady)
Ivonna Johnson (Banneker)
Diamond Marshall (Banneker)
Naporsha Nelson (North Clayton)
Shacora Perkins (Banneker)
Richmond Pitts (Tri-Cities)
Antrice Stinson (Banneker)
Janee Williams (Banneker)
Tia Woodruff (Douglas)
Kennedy Wynn (Hapeville)