APS faculty members receive rewards for donations to AEF

By Lee Ellen Benjamin
Special to the Journal

Congratulations were in order when Atlanta Independent School District Superintendent Sidney Harrist (AISD) and Atlanta Education Foundation Executive Director Pam Huffman (AEF) met with the faculty of the Atlanta Primary School earlier last month. 
The AEF held a contest amongst the four AISD campuses, in an effort to elicit donations. The Primary School faculty won a lunch for the highest participation across the AISD. 
Superintendent Harrist will cook the meal especially for the charitable group at Atlanta Primary School.
Each of the following teachers individually donated to the Education Foundation and were rewarded for their generosity. 
They are: Mindy Rutland, a fall wreath by Miranda Johnson; Parker Steele, Fancy Nails gift certificate; Chaney Raley, Martin Farms gift certificate; Rae Hammonds, Rabbit Patch gifts certificate; Jennifer Whatley, AEF blanket; Marsha Lindsey, arrangement from Cobblestone Interiors and Gifts; Chreise Wicks, Rabbit earrings; Mary Kay Kutz, ladies watch; Alison Highland, CHRISTUS St. Michael Fitness Center gift certificate; and Mary Addington, Flint’s Furniture, gift certificate.  
However, the pièce de résistance went to Tammy Sprawls, who made the largest donation. She was granted a day off with pay!
The Atlanta Education Foundation will host its annual fundraiser ,Blue Jeans & Bling, on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Indian Hills Country Club in Atlanta. 
The gala is a fundraiser to support teacher grants and scholarships. 
To date, the AEF has been able to distribute nearly $85,000 to fund deserving programs throughout the AISD. 
In addition to the teacher grants, the AEF hosts the annual “Walk the Red Carpet” for the top 10 percent of the graduating class of Atlanta High School. 
Additionally, in partnership with the Atlanta Alumni Association, the AEF sponsors the Outstanding Alumni Awards which are given annually at AHS Homecoming.