Atlanta Academy Annual Report 2022

Atlanta Academy Annual Report

Our Mission

Is Mighty

Atlanta Academy develops innovative thinkers and adaptive learners who are flexible and prepared to lead in a global future. We give every student the individual attention they need to succeed – to explore, discover, develop, and design their unique place in the world.

From the very beginning, Atlanta Academy was founded by teachers and focused on giving students the individual attention needed for them to be successful. We are a strong community preparing students to be good citizens and setting them on a path to reach their full potential.

I am grateful to return to serve as Head of School and proud to find the unwavering strength of our founding vision coexisting with many changes that matter. Schools are faced with all the complexities of the world yet our goal is to remain a steady and stable force through any storm. In everything we do and all that comes our way, we are committed to being prepared and responsive in providing a safe and supportive environment.

As seen throughout the pages of this annual report, we are blessed to have an actively engaged community of board members, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents and friends. Generosity expressed through volunteer time and financial support assures that Atlanta Academy has abundant resources that allow both decisive and flexible decision making. When our students and teachers have a need, we appreciate having the opportunity to make it happen without delay.

Atlanta Academy is a true community. Thank you to each and every one of you for the contributions and commitments you make. We would not be who we are or where we are without you. With much respect to our past, I am most excited about returning and working together to design a very bright future for all of us.

Wishing us all the best in the coming year.

Angela Naples Head of School

Our mission as a school is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. It can propel us into an extraordinary new vision and future with the trust and alignment of our entire collective community.

Leadership

Virtues of a Gladiator

Gladiators exhibit passion for their mission.

Call it a purpose or a calling; good leaders have a defining mission in their life.

Gladiators create a vision.

Having and communicating a clear picture of a future goal leads to its achievement. Dare to think great!

Gladiators lead with empathy. Working side-by-side with others helps a leader better understand what people are facing.

Gladiators understand the strength in teams.

A leader has care and compassion for the team and assures every member is recognized for their efforts.

Gladiators encourage risk-taking. Pushing bounderies plants the seeds for personal growth.

Gladiators temper their emotions. Being graceful and brave when challenged is the surest way to build credibility – a necessity for sound leadership.

Gladiators plan ahead and prepare for change. Leaders continually hone their skills to strengthen their awareness, responsiveness, and adaptability.

Gladiators are teachers and mentors. In a rapidly changing environment, leaders teach and train those who will follow in their footsteps.

Adapted from an article by Greg Smith in Zen Business, Feb.

Sadie Lalla

Student Spotlight

Sadie Lalla, a bouncy and bright 6th grade student, came to Atlanta Academy four years ago when she was in second grade.

According to her teachers, Sadie is a thoughtful, deep thinker with a kind and pure heart. She is also a decision maker with a giving spirit who understands the impact of gestures large and small.

Last year while her class was thoughtfully writing thank you notes to donors to the Gladiator Fund, Sadie asked questions about the fund and made the decision to donate the money she had in her pocket. “As we were writing notes to people who donated to the Gladiator Fund,” explains Sadie, “I decided I wanted to donate some to help out.”

“Sadie has a very empathetic nature, so her donation really wasn’t a big surprise. Our family has faced a lot of adversity in the last few years, and Sadie is always thinking about how she can help or make a difference. I’m very proud of her.”

—Alison Lalla, Sadie’s Mom

Sadie already has her sights set on how to help her community in the future. “I want to go to UGA,” she says, “to study English and become a teacher.”

Atlanta Academy Award

Wellford

Cheryl and Walker Wellford and their three boys, Walker, William, and Jack, prove that the family that plays together stays together. All of them are close to each other, competitive in their love of sports, and firmly connected to Atlanta Academy.

Young Walker is a 2021 graduate of Atlanta Academy and a rising sophomore at Dunwoody High School. An honor roll student, he is also a member of the football team, swim team, and Young Men’s Service League.

Jr. Kindergarten

Kiran Yarlagadda Penny Maldonado

Kindergarten

Berklee Mansell

Kingston Ledbetter

1st Grade

Ari Bacalis

Zoe Yarlagadda

2nd Grade

Charlotte Nicholls

Reid Henderson

3rd Grade

Evie Olson

Hertford DeRue

4th Grade

Kate Ellis Brooke Campbell

5th Grade

Claire Solomon

William Wellford

6th Grade

Hadiya Yarbou

7th

Ian Russell

Grade

Ethan Wood

Anslee Kennedy

Says Cheryl, “While going back to our local high school was a huge change for all of us, Walker has repeatedly commented on how well Atlanta Academy prepared him for the transition, the workload, and the overall experience.”

After Walker’s success, William (6th grade) and Jack (4th grade) were added to the Gladiator family in 2021. “William was able to play soccer, basketball, and be on the passing league football team as a 5th grader, which was such a gift for him,” says Cheryl. “Jack was equally as happy in the Lower School. He met great friends, enjoyed the Color Run, and grew from the challenges provided by the curriculum.”

Both parents place high value on the teachers, the small class sizes, individualized instruction, academic support, nurturing environment, quality sports programs, the arts, and the strong community.

The Atlanta Academy Award is the most prestigious award recognizing students who exemplify the highest moral and personal character. Respect for self and appreciation of differences in other students is an integral part. These students are always willing to help and are leaders among their peers.

Wellford

For all three boys, their teachers mean the most to them, followed closely by Fun Food Friday and the brood of chickens. “Where else could students write and perform an original song, Sloths Eat Tacos on Sundays, paint a teacher’s jeep, and care for baby chicks?” asks Cheryl.

While Cheryl and Walker are their boys’ biggest fans, they also have high expectations for them.

“The school provides a family atmosphere. We love that everyone truly knows our boys – their personalities, their strengths, and even their needs,” explains Cheryl. “Our boys are supported and challenged at the same time.”

As avid sports fans, the Wellfords cheer for each other and all local teams. They are active together as a family whether wakeboarding and tubing on their boat, running with their dogs, Rae and Riley, or mountain biking and fishing.

Atlanta Academy is fortunate to have team Wellford as part of our school family!

As members of the Atlanta Academy family since 2018, the Wellfords show their support of the school through the Gladiator Fund.

endeavor is not without costs, and we feel it is important to provide additional funds to help the school continue its work. Giving to the Gladiator Fund every year is our vote of confidence in those efforts.

Nicholas Burkett

Alumni Spotlight

Nicholas Burkett is off and running. As a young man with a strong vision and direction for his life, he is on the path to success. Nicholas recently met with Shannon Dishman to catch her up on his journey after Atlanta Academy.

After graduating 8th grade in 2014, Nicholas attended Blessed Trinity High School and graduated in 2018. In his sophomore year of high school, he discovered a strong passion for running and joined the cross country team. As part of the team for 3 years, he was pleased to learn that Atlanta Academy now offers cross country.

A 2022 graduate of Texas Christian University, Nicholas earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently working on his master’s degree in social work at TCU. Even as a studious college student, Nicholas remained dedicated to running and continues to run six days a week. He completed his first half marathon in January in Fort Worth, TX. This summer he returned to his high school to assist with the cross country team at Blessed Trinity.

For Nicholas, the memories from Atlanta Academy that remain are of fun trips and great friends. “We had so much fun at the

retreat at High Harbor and on spring trips to the Grand Canyon and Sea Camp,” he told Shannon. “Those are unforgettable.”

Atlanta Academy teachers made a lasting impression on him as well. “I learned a lot from Mr. [Chris] Garrett and Mrs. [Helene] Freese,” adds Nicholas.

“Nicholas may have been more quiet and introverted than his brothers and other students but he always had thoughtful and relevant things to say. He has a gentleness about him and has a warm and polite personality.”

Chris Garrett Middle School Teacher

Adds Garrett, “That’s an important part of the Atlanta Academy mission, to not only prepare students academically but to strengthen their kindness and gentleness.”

Nicholas’ drive and heart have already taken him far and will continue to propel him toward continued success. With a great head start, Nicholas is ready to go the distance in his studies and in life.

2022 Graduates

Emelia Anderson

Eliot Axt Owen Axt Morgan Barrow Shane Blaiss

Justin Buchanan Roshan Bullard Myrena Carter

Emerson Cressman Lillianna Delp Ethan Denson Ian Droessler Wilson Dylan Embs Daniel Gorham

Lila Gutierrez Jacob Hurwitz

Erik Johansson

Ella Hart Kashdan Noah Kashiparekh Lands Kelly Anslee Kennedy Dylan Koppel

Jason Koppel Andrew Lanier Ashlyn Lester Aidan Magnus Briele Slade Sienna Surma Kahlil Talley Cooper Walker Iris Williams Mia Winokur Ethan Wood

High School Acceptances

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

Cambridge High School

Dunwoody High School

FCS Innovation Academy

Johns Creek High School

Marist School

Milton High School

Mount Pisgah Christian School Mount Vernon School

Norcross High School

North Springs High School

Saint Francis School

St. Pius X Catholic High School

The Walker School

The Weber School

Grads & Honors

The Garrett Award - Ashlyn Lester

The Garrett Award is the top Academic Award for the student with the highest G.P.A. and who has attended Atlanta Academy for all 3 years of Middle School.

National Junior Honor Society

Emelia Anderson

Justin Buchanan

Roshan Bullard

Lillianna Delp

Ella Hart Kashdan Noah Kashiparekh

Anslee Kennedy

Jason Koppel Ashlyn Lester

Sienna Surma Mia Winokur

Gladiator Fund Donors

Leader ($5,000 - $7,499)

Karen and Chris Arnone

Thank you for your generosity.

The following list includes donations and pledges received as of June 30, 2022. The Gladiator Fund runs July 1 - June 30, each year. Every effort has been made to list donors correctly. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apology and contact mmoore@atlantaacademy.com to make the correction.

Jamie and Thomas DeRue Makarewicz Family

Educator ($3,000 - $4,999)

Michelle and Mike Abreu Kerrieann and Michael Axt Heba and Ajaz Chaudhry Caroline and Matthew Foster Thomas Family Wellford Family Jenette and Ken Wood

Founder ($2,000 - $2,999)

AIG Matching Grants Liza and Peter Anand Kate Anderson

Nadine and Daniel Betancourt Lisa and Phil Bowman Shannon and Ken Dishman Frazier & Deeter, LLC Ronda and Michael Gary Stephanie and Jeff Kashdan

Elizabeth and Michael Kimberl Angela and Andrew Naples Ashley and Mike Reams Mara and Aron Riddle

Suzanne and Richard Schultze Hiba Tinawi and Mulham Shbeib Katie and Patrick Summers Kristen and Ali Yarbou

Contributor ($1,000 - $1,999)

Fasihah and Muhammad Alam Bank of America

Shannon Barrow Christina M. Cage Candice and Chris Campbell Campbell/Berger Family Mary and Tim Committe Jodi Copeland

Delp Family

Molly and Shailesh Desai Cheri Droessler

Shay and Wayne Edy Amy and David Ellis

Kelly and Richard Ellis

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

Meagan and Chris Galle

Lauren and Clay Garner Sarah and Joe Gross Welthan and Brian Harhai Racquel and Scott Henderson Hong Family

Joe Tools, Inc.

Keller Family

Emily and Jonathan Kent Erin and Kyle Long McKinsey & Company

Ashley and Ryan Meehan Brandi and Colin Pajot Sheryl and Keyur Patel

Ann and Travis Reid Sara and John Rutledge

David and Eric Scurlock

Loren and Matt Shields Meredith and Tyler Snellings Courtney and Joe Sowerby Ashley and Ed Swain Carol and Dustin Waller

Friend (Up to $999)

Anonymous Katie Ackerman Allen Family

Erica and Neil Anstey

Phoebe Ardagna

AT&T

Carleigh Benscoter

Seema and Chris Blosfeld The Boston Consulting Group Nicole Browning and Tom Swedlund C. Buchanan Ms. Sheryl Byrd Baylee Canales

Glory Carter Carter’s Charityvest Inc CIO Partners, Inc.

Holly Clark Greg Conlin Cook Family

Alejandro Coss and Monica Altamirano Amy and Jeremy Cowan

Jen and Lee Craft

Cathy Davis

Tiffany and Johannes Denson Dana and Michael Duebel Kathy and Chris Dierkes

Nicholas Distasio

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Docherty Kate and Jay Dondero

Amy Drooker

Karletta Duncan

Shakeitha Durham Emily Eaton

Christy and Nick Eberts

Christina Ellis

Lynn Embs

Ellen and Patrick Emery Debra and Robert Erwin

Evans Family

Jennifer Fancher

Jamie and Alex Fencl

Alyssa Finneyfrock

Avery and David Fontaine

Valentina and Jack Fussell

Gladiator Fund Donors 202I-2022

Neeley Jones

Prerna and Roger Kahlon

Kane Family

Ruth Keeley

Carroll Keith

Kellerman Family

Nour and Nick Kelly

Diana and Moses Kim

Judy Kleinhans

Matthew Kossman

Katie Kufeld

Geetika Goyal and Amit Kumar

Alison and Sadie Lalla

Emilia and Andrew Larbi-Yeboa

Taylor Gamache

Chris Garrett

Ericka Godwin Google

Rosemary and Alec Gorham

Astrid and Prasad Goswami

Dr. Kristen Marie and Mr. Roger Gravlin

Aimee and Doug Green

Carol Myrtle Green

Lauren and Hank Grossman

Lindsey and Jay Guidry

Juli and Joe Guion

Sara and Eric Guyer

Allison and Jeff Haber

Tom and Melissa Harper

Mark Harrell

Monique Harrell

Tara and Duncan Hastie

Erin Hayes

Jackie and Charles Henley

Christie and Todd Hennings

Callen and Chris Henretty

Danica and Scott Henry

Karyn Hickey

Kristin and Krist Hochburger

Paige and Dan Holliman

Sharon and Ryan Horne Deanna and David Hughes

Christie S. Hull

Hurwitz Family

Felicia Hutt

Maria and Ariel Inoue

Irish Family

Jarboe Family

JE Dunn Construction Company

Arin Logan and Ryan Johnson

Justin Jones

Angela and Sam Leaf Jamaica Craft and Travis Ledbetter Weldon Ledbetter

Jeana and Michael Lee

Catherine and Walt Lester

Gary and Jenny Lester

Gary and Shele Lieberman

Darren and Frankie Linder

Mr. and Mrs. Lobsiger

Andrea Long

Michael Maiorano

Melanie and Paul Manning Taylor and Philip Mansell

Tania Barroso and Gabriel Marrero

Vince Mastrototaro

Nakia Mattis

Kristi and Mason McCarthy

Emma McCarthy

Carolyn and Harrison McCord

Lindsey and Justin McCracken Kathy and Dan McDonough Maia and Marcos Mendez Cheryl and Elliott Miller

Martha Moore

Susan and David Moreno

Emily Mount

Ali and Marcus Nabors Ms. Mary Ellen Naze Kelly Nealis Nicholls Family Jeanie and Greg Nowicki Oracle

Ginny and Chris Pantano Kristen and Felipe Pardo Lynn and Kelvin Pettaway Mr. and Mrs. Pileggi Mily Piscoya

Valerie and Chris Pitrof Mrs. Leah and Dr. Nicholas Planchard

Kelly and Jared Powell Maria Monnissen and Johnny Ramondino Durlene Reed

Jackie Moreno and Camilo Restrepo

Ansley and Matthew Reynolds

Mr. Richard Ripley and Mrs. Sarah Pajot Cyntia Rivas

Mr. Leslie Robbins and Mrs. Amanda Adade Courtney Robinson

Erin and Greg Royster

Andrea Russell

Crystal and Alex Salas Helene and Phillip Schuck Angela Schwarz Jen and Doug Shaener Anne and Van Sharma Stefanie and David Shore Melissa Mao and Greg Shultz (in honor of Aliya Shultz) Michael Shuman

Alyssa and Matthew Siegel Melissa Lewis Simile Jermeca Simpson

Caitlyn Sims Melissa and Satyan Singh William Slade Tamika Smith

Cassie Smith Barbara and Mariusz Sobanski

Darrell Solomon Stachura Family

Ashley Starnes

State Farm Judy Stokes Jodi and Andrew Stone

Aelai Gran and Nick Sulaiman Andrea and Butch Swoop

Tara and Zane Taylor

Angela and Jeffrey Thayer Farrahn and Arthur Thomas Mrs. Erin and Dr. Amit Tibrewala Brenda Trejo Debi Trelease

Truist Foundation Matching Gifts Turner Family Shari Underhill

Katie Vann Hayley Viente VMware

Dr. Shazad and Rahela Wada Cara Gilmore and Richard Walker-Barone Amy and Albert Wang

Jennifer and Michael Warren Emily and Luke Webber

Brittany Whipple

Jennifer and Todd Williams

Wilson Family

Vanessa and Dave Winokur

Janine Wiskind

Diana Woods

Yarlagadda Family

Maribel and Serif Yeniocak Lindsey and Adam Ziegele

Georgia GOAL

Thank you to the Atlanta Academy community for participating in the Georgia GOAL scholarship program, allowing deserving Georgia students to attend Atlanta Academy. We appreciate those who continue to make this tuition assistance program strong and choose to provide a child with a life-changing education at Atlanta Academy. For more information on GOAL including information on how to participate, please visit www.goalscholarship.org

2022 Participants

Anonymous

Patricia and James Anhut

Kerrieann and Michael Axt

Candice and Christopher Campbell

Kate and Jay Dondero

Jamie and Alex Fencl

Caroline and Matthew Foster

Welthan and Brian Harhai

Donna and Doug Henderson

Callen and Christopher Henretty

Frankie and Darren Linder

Kimberly and Erik Laidhold Marisol Maldonado

Cheryl and Robert Miller Carl Mitcheson

Kristen Morris

Jennifer and Travis Olson Kelly and Jared Powell

Ashley and Mike Reams

Stephanie and Kyle Sadler

Eric and David Scurlock

Hiba and Mulham Shbeib Wei-Chen and Shih-Yi Tang

Emily and Luke Webber Karen Weinstock

Janine and Jared Wiskind York Bowman Law, LLC

Board of Trustees

Board Officers

Michael Reams, Chair Kate Anderson, Treasurer Kerrieann Axt, Secretary Board Members

Liza Anand Phil Bowman Molly Desai Mulham Shbeib Tyler Snellings Ex-Officio Angela Naples, Head of School Emeritus Malon D. Mimms

Gladiators Needed

Can Atlanta Academy count on YOU in 2022 and beyond?

Open your phone’s camera, and align it with the QR code. Then click the pop up link to support our school.

2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy Roswell, GA 30076