Atlanta Academy Annual Report 2022

Atlanta Academy Annual Report

2022

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.

Our mission as a school is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. It can propel us into an extraordinary

F

rom 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.

new vision and

As seen throughout the pages of this annual report, we are blessed to

future with

have an actively engaged community of board members, faculty, staff,

the trust and alignment of our entire collective community.

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

3

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.

Gladiators encourage risk-taking.

Working side-by-side with others helps a leader

Pushing bounderies plants the seeds for personal growth.

better understand what people are facing.

Gladiators temper their emotions.

Gladiators understand the strength in teams.

Being graceful and brave when challenged is the surest

A leader has care and compassion for the team and

way to build credibility – a necessity for sound leadership.

assures every member is recognized for their efforts.

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.

4

Adapted from an article by Greg Smith in Zen Business, Feb. 2014.

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.”

Gladiator Gold 5

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.

Atlanta Academy Award Jr. Kindergarten

4th Grade

Kiran Yarlagadda

Kate Ellis

Penny Maldonado

Brooke Campbell

Kindergarten

5th Grade

Berklee Mansell

Claire Solomon

Kingston Ledbetter

William Wellford

1st Grade

6th Grade

Ari Bacalis

Hadiya Yarbou

Zoe Yarlagadda 2nd Grade Charlotte Nicholls Reid Henderson 3rd Grade Evie Olson Hertford DeRue 6

7th Grade Ian Russell 8th Grade Ethan Wood Anslee Kennedy

Wellfo 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.

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.

ford family 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.

We recognize that all the work that goes into a successful 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.

7

’14

Nicholas Burkett Alumni Spotlight Nicholas Burkett is off and running. As a

retreat at High Harbor and on spring trips to

young man with a strong vision and direction

the Grand Canyon and Sea Camp,” he told

for his life, he is on the path to success.

Shannon. “Those are unforgettable.”

Nicholas recently met with Shannon Dishman to catch her up on his journey after Atlanta

Atlanta Academy teachers made a lasting

Academy.

impression on him as well. “I learned a lot from Mr. [Chris] Garrett and Mrs. [Helene]

After graduating 8th grade in 2014, Nicholas

Freese,” adds 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

8

“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

High School Acceptances

Emelia Anderson

Blessed Trinity Catholic

Eliot Axt

High School

Owen Axt

Cambridge High School

Morgan Barrow

Dunwoody High School

Shane Blaiss

FCS Innovation Academy

Justin Buchanan

Johns Creek High School

Roshan Bullard

Marist School

Myrena Carter

Milton High School

Emerson Cressman

Mount Pisgah Christian School

Lillianna Delp

Mount Vernon School

Ethan Denson

Norcross High School

Ian Droessler Wilson

North Springs High School

Dylan Embs

Saint Francis School

Daniel Gorham

St. Pius X Catholic High School

Lila Gutierrez

The Walker School

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

’22 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

Anslee Kennedy

Justin Buchanan

Jason Koppel

Roshan Bullard

Ashlyn Lester

Lillianna Delp

Sienna Surma

Ella Hart Kashdan

Mia Winokur

Noah Kashiparekh 9

Gladiator Fund Donors 202I-2022 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.

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

Elizabeth and Michael Kimberl

Karen and Chris Arnone

Angela and Andrew Naples

Jamie and Thomas DeRue

Ashley and Mike Reams

Makarewicz Family

Mara and Aron Riddle

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

Suzanne and Richard Schultze Hiba Tinawi and Mulham Shbeib

Michelle and Mike Abreu

Katie and Patrick Summers

Kerrieann and Michael Axt

Kristen and Ali Yarbou

Heba and Ajaz Chaudhry Caroline and Matthew Foster

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

Thomas Family

Fasihah and Muhammad Alam

Wellford Family

Bank of America

Jenette and Ken Wood

Shannon Barrow

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

Christina M. Cage Candice and Chris Campbell

AIG Matching Grants

Campbell/Berger Family

Liza and Peter Anand

Mary and Tim Committe

Kate Anderson

Jodi Copeland

Nadine and Daniel Betancourt

Delp Family

Lisa and Phil Bowman

Molly and Shailesh Desai

Shannon and Ken Dishman

Cheri Droessler

Frazier & Deeter, LLC

Shay and Wayne Edy

Ronda and Michael Gary

Amy and David Ellis

Stephanie and Jeff Kashdan

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

10

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 Joe Tools, Inc.

Erica and Neil Anstey

Emily Eaton

Keller Family

Phoebe Ardagna

Christy and Nick Eberts

Emily and Jonathan Kent

AT&T

Christina Ellis

Erin and Kyle Long

Carleigh Benscoter

McKinsey & Company

Seema and Chris Blosfeld

Ashley and Ryan Meehan

The Boston Consulting Group

Brandi and Colin Pajot

Nicole Browning and

Sheryl and Keyur Patel

Tom Swedlund

Ann and Travis Reid

C. Buchanan

Sara and John Rutledge

Ms. Sheryl Byrd

David and Eric Scurlock

Baylee Canales

Loren and Matt Shields

Glory Carter

Meredith and Tyler Snellings

Carter’s

Lynn Embs

Courtney and Joe Sowerby

Charityvest Inc

Ellen and Patrick Emery

Ashley and Ed Swain

CIO Partners, Inc.

Debra and Robert Erwin

Carol and Dustin Waller

Holly Clark

Evans Family

Greg Conlin

Jennifer Fancher

Cook Family

Jamie and Alex Fencl

Alejandro Coss and

Alyssa Finneyfrock

Friend (Up to $999) Anonymous Katie Ackerman Allen Family

Monica Altamirano

Avery and David Fontaine

Amy and Jeremy Cowan

Valentina and Jack Fussell

11

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

Erin Hayes

Angela and Sam Leaf

Chris Garrett

Jackie and Charles Henley

Jamaica Craft and

Ericka Godwin

Christie and Todd Hennings

Google

Callen and Chris Henretty

Weldon Ledbetter

Rosemary and Alec Gorham

Danica and Scott Henry

Jeana and Michael Lee

Astrid and Prasad Goswami

Karyn Hickey

Catherine and Walt Lester

Dr. Kristen Marie and

Kristin and Krist Hochburger

Gary and Jenny Lester

Paige and Dan Holliman

Gary and Shele Lieberman

Aimee and Doug Green

Sharon and Ryan Horne

Darren and Frankie Linder

Carol Myrtle Green

Deanna and David Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. Lobsiger

Lauren and Hank Grossman

Christie S. Hull

Andrea Long

Lindsey and Jay Guidry

Hurwitz Family

Michael Maiorano

Juli and Joe Guion

Felicia Hutt

Melanie and Paul Manning

Sara and Eric Guyer

Maria and Ariel Inoue

Taylor and Philip Mansell

Allison and Jeff Haber

Irish Family

Tania Barroso and

Tom and Melissa Harper

Jarboe Family

Mark Harrell

JE Dunn Construction Company

Vince Mastrototaro

Monique Harrell

Arin Logan and Ryan Johnson

Nakia Mattis

Tara and Duncan Hastie

Justin Jones

Kristi and Mason McCarthy

Mr. Roger Gravlin

12

Travis Ledbetter

Gabriel Marrero

Emma McCarthy Carolyn and Harrison McCord

Jackie Moreno and Camilo Restrepo

Lindsey and Justin McCracken

Ansley and Matthew Reynolds

Kathy and Dan McDonough

Mr. Richard Ripley and

Maia and Marcos Mendez

Mrs. Sarah Pajot

Cheryl and Elliott Miller

Cyntia Rivas

Martha Moore

Mr. Leslie Robbins and

Susan and David Moreno

Mrs. Amanda Adade

Emily Mount

Courtney Robinson

Ali and Marcus Nabors

Erin and Greg Royster

Ms. Mary Ellen Naze

Andrea Russell

Tara and Zane Taylor

Kelly Nealis

Crystal and Alex Salas

Angela and Jeffrey Thayer

Nicholls Family

Helene and Phillip Schuck

Farrahn and Arthur Thomas

Jeanie and Greg Nowicki

Angela Schwarz

Mrs. Erin and Dr. Amit Tibrewala

Oracle

Jen and Doug Shaener

Brenda Trejo

Ginny and Chris Pantano

Anne and Van Sharma

Debi Trelease

Kristen and Felipe Pardo

Stefanie and David Shore

Truist Foundation Matching Gifts

Lynn and Kelvin Pettaway

Melissa Mao and Greg Shultz

Turner Family

(in honor of Aliya Shultz)

Shari Underhill

Mr. and Mrs. Pileggi Mily Piscoya

Michael Shuman

Katie Vann

Valerie and Chris Pitrof

Alyssa and Matthew Siegel

Hayley Viente

Mrs. Leah and

Melissa Lewis Simile

VMware

Jermeca Simpson

Dr. Shazad and Rahela Wada

Kelly and Jared Powell

Caitlyn Sims

Cara Gilmore and

Maria Monnissen and

Melissa and Satyan Singh

Dr. Nicholas Planchard

Johnny Ramondino Durlene Reed

Richard Walker-Barone

William Slade

Amy and Albert Wang

Tamika Smith

Jennifer and Michael Warren

Cassie Smith

Emily and Luke Webber

Barbara and Mariusz Sobanski

Brittany Whipple

Darrell Solomon

Jennifer and Todd Williams

Stachura Family

Wilson Family

Ashley Starnes

Vanessa and Dave Winokur

State Farm

Janine Wiskind

Judy Stokes

Diana Woods

Jodi and Andrew Stone

Yarlagadda Family

Aelai Gran and Nick Sulaiman

Maribel and Serif Yeniocak

Andrea and Butch Swoop

Lindsey and Adam Ziegele 13

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

Cheryl and Robert Miller

Patricia and James Anhut

Carl Mitcheson

Kerrieann and Michael Axt

Kristen Morris

Candice and Christopher Campbell

Jennifer and Travis Olson

Kate and Jay Dondero

Kelly and Jared Powell

Jamie and Alex Fencl

Ashley and Mike Reams

Caroline and Matthew Foster

Stephanie and Kyle Sadler

Welthan and Brian Harhai

Eric and David Scurlock

Donna and Doug Henderson

Hiba and Mulham Shbeib

Callen and Christopher Henretty

Wei-Chen and Shih-Yi Tang

Frankie and Darren Linder

Emily and Luke Webber

Kimberly and Erik Laidhold

Karen Weinstock

Marisol Maldonado

Janine and Jared Wiskind York Bowman Law, LLC

14

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

Gladiator Leadership Begins Here!