Two former principals of Atlanta’s Douglass High School — both longtime Atlanta educators — were honored this month.

The school’s auditorium was named in honor of Lester Butts, who later served as Atlanta Public Schools superintendent.

From his 20-year tenure at Frederick Douglass High School, during which the school was nationally recognized for excellence, to his sometimes stormy years as superintendent of schools, Butts was a pivotal Atlanta educator, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote in Butts’ 1999 obituary.

The school’s gym was named in honor of former principal Samuel Hill, who had also served as Douglass’ assistant principal.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The quadrangle at Oxford College of Emory University. The university announced Wednesday it will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000. (Courtesy of Kay Hinton)

Credit: Kay Hinton

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com