A recent fundraiser for KIPP open enrollment schools raised $210,000 using an "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"-style twist.
The second annual event at Buckhead Theatre featured celebrity adults "Top Chef" finalist and Gun Show restaurant owner Kevin Gillespie, former TV judge Glenda Hatchett, Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi, Central Atlanta Progress President A.J. Robinson and Morehouse president Dr. John Wilson Jr. pitted against select middle school and high school KIPP students.
Jeff Foxworthy, former host of the original Fox show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" was also supposed to be there, but he had recent neck surgery and was unable to attend.
KIPP, which stands for Knowledge is Power program, is a nationwide network of 141 free open-enrollment college-prep schools for neighborhoods that especially need it. Seven are in Atlanta. One key element: they spend 50 percent more time in the classroom than their peers.
The questions ranged from biology to math to English literature to history ("What's the longest running monarchy?"). There were multiple questions about the periodic table.
Not surprisingly, the students spanked the adults 130 to 70.
As the adults fell behind, Hatchett feigned exasperation. "I feel a headache coming on," she cracked.
On the bright side, , that was an improvement for the grown ups a year ago, who garnered just 45 points a year ago.
"We lost so badly last time." said Hatchett, whose judge show ran in syndication for more than a decade and does a lot of public speaking now. (She was the only repeat celebrity from 2013's first competition.) "We were a little more respectable this time."
"For years, I was a juvenile court judge here in Atlanta," she added. "I know what happens when our students don't get properly educated and are not properly motivated. What I know is KIPP is just developing these young men and women. We have to invest in our children." Plus, she added, "My nephew is an administrator. It's impossible for me to tell him no."
Jonathan Massaquoi was just glad he was able to answer a couple of questions, including a math problem and an astronomy question.
Jordynn Wilson, a sixth grader from KIPP South Fulton Academy, said the questions were "pretty easy." She wasn't surprised the adults struggled. She wants to be an attorney and spoke with Hatchett about her aspirations.
Here are some more photos from the event:
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
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