An Atlanta elementary school teacher is in the running to win a $100,000 grant to build a new playground.

On Wednesday, Toomer Elementary School teacher Emily Max was named one of 15 finalists in a national contest sponsored by Farmers Insurance.

Max is seeking funds to build a playground that is accessible to all students, one that includes ramps, low monkey bars and balance building stations.

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A woman holds a sign in protest during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. APS held its final vote on school consolidation plans, approving several school closures. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman