ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
130 Trinity Avenue SW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Seth Coleman, Director of Media
404-802-2891, office
404-345-8630, cell
seth.coleman@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Jasmine Mosley, Media Relations Manager
404-802-2888, office
404-937-0473, cell
jasmine.mosley@atlanta.k12.ga.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2022
APS Student Advisory Council to Host “Stand With Me” Rally
to Foster a Commitment to the End of Gun Violence in the City of Atlanta, Thursday
Atlanta Public Schools students who are members of the Student Advisory Council to take a stand against violence and provide a call to action to the Atlanta community
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Atlanta Board of Education Student Advisory Council will lead a “Stand With Me” rally on Thursday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m., to make a public stance against gun violence amongst peers and provide a call to action to city leaders and the Atlanta community.
The rally will occur on the City Hall steps (Mitchell Street side). This location shows unity and the connection between government entities.
APS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Board of Education members, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and other dignitaries will attend the rally.
The rally will take place just before the last day of school, a date chosen by the Student Advisory Council to make a special plea to their peers to remain safe and make wise choices over the winter holiday break. Student Advisory Council Chairwoman Eleanor Jones shares why the rally is important stating, “Too often we are experiencing the youth of Atlanta become victims of gun violence either by death or to the prison system. Our youth, especially young black men need to be protected, supported, and heard. Tragedy has struck our community once again while out for a holiday break and it is movements like these that are designed to help us heal, but also create solutions that fix the problem.” The rally will also include a citywide moment of silence to honor gun violence victims.
The Student Advisory Council is an Atlanta Public Schools and Atlanta Board of Education student governing body that lobbies and advocates on behalf of APS students as well as provides impactful feedback to district leaders as they make decisions. The council consists of 25 student delegates representing 14 high schools across the District ranging from grades 9-12. The Student Advisory Council has been involved in various events and initiatives such as Equity Throughout APS, Student Calendar, Student Discipline, and the Mayor’s Transition Team for Education & Youth, and a visit to the State Capital where delegates spoke with representatives and provided them with feedback around issues that impact them.
WHAT: Atlanta Public Schools students who are members of the Student Advisory Council to take a stand against violence and provide a call to action to the Atlanta community with a “Stand With Me” Rally.
WHEN: Thursday, December 15, 2022 | 6:30 PM
WHERE: 68 Mitchell Street, SW | City Hall Steps
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:
- Eleanor Jones, APS Student Advisory Council
- Ayden Leibert, APS Student Advisory Council
- Zion Byrd, APS Student Advisory Council
- Dr. Lisa Herring, APS Superintendent
NOTE: Please RSVP for planning and logistical purposes.
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About Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 50,000 students across 87 schools and five programs. The District is organized into nine K-12 clusters with 64 traditional schools, 19 charter schools, six partner schools, two alternative schools, and five alternative programs. To learn more about Atlanta Public Schools, follow us on social media – Twitter ), Facebook (Atlanta Public Schools), and Instagram (apsupdate) – or visit us online at www.atlantapublicschools.us.
