Sureka Taylor, a science teacher at The Champion School in DeKalb County, is a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government for K-12 math and science (including computer science) teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. National winners receive a certificate signed by the President and a $10,000 award from NSF.

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Donielle Williams of Fayetteville and Alexander D'Antoni of Marietta are the winners of $1,500 scholarship awards from Fort Benning and Fort McPherson. Donielle plans to attend Xavier University in Louisiana. D'Antoni will attend Georgia Tech. The Scholarships for Military Children program sponsors the awards. The organization receives about 5,000 applications at commissary locations worldwide. Most winners have grade point averages between 3.7 and 3.9. Students must also be involved in their communities and demonstrate leadership skills. Information: www.militaryscholar.org.

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Georgia Perimeter College Decatur Campus students Kenneth Banks and Devora Jerkins and Alpharetta Center student Bruce Bochicchio were recently rewarded for their hard work, passion and commitment to education. The students were awarded scholarships from Executive Women International Atlanta Chapter's ASIST scholarship, a program that has been helping GPCstudents since 1996. Each student will receive $2,000, and Bochicchio also is eligible to win an additional national scholarship worth $2,500. Executive Women International brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of promoting member firms, enhancing personal and professional development, and encouraging community involvement. The global organization has more than 5,000 members. Information: www.ewiatlanta.org.

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Uta Thomas picks up her son, Jax, during a public hearing in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She implored the school board not to close Dunbar Elementary. 
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Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

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