February 28, 2025 - Throughout February, schools across the Cobb County School District honored Black History Month with a variety of engaging and educational activities. Students, teachers, and staff participated in interactive exhibits, performances, fashion shows, and more. From historical wax museums and spoken word performances to musical showcases and humanitarian awards, each school found unique and creative ways to celebrate Black Americans' rich cultural heritage and contributions.

Performances, Fashion, and Music Bring Black History to Life

Many schools held performances and artistic showcases to celebrate Black history. 

• Austell Elementary School hosted "An Array of Style in Fashion," bridging historical Black fashion with modern trends, including African designs by a local designer. 
• Birney Elementary School students participated in an Afrobeats performance and a Living Wax Museum where students embodied historical Black figures. 
• Lassiter High School celebrated the theme "The Rhythm of Our Heritage: A Celebration of Black Music Across Cultures" with a musical talent showcase, a Black History Month fashion show, and an interactive dance session where students learned a cultural line dance. 

• South Cobb High School hosted student and staff performances. There were poetry readings, monologues, instrumental solos, voice solos, and more. 

• Tapp Middle School hosted "Showtime at Tapp,” featuring students, teachers, and parents showcasing their talents through singing, dancing, poetry, and acting. 
• Varner Elementary School first-graders performed spirituals and songs in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and guest poet Pam Best presented Invention ABC, emphasizing Black inventors.

Interactive Learning and Museum Experiences Engage Students 

Several schools created interactive exhibits and museum experiences to help students explore Black history. 

• Big Shanty Intermediate School students collaborated on murals throughout the month, creating visual representations of Black history. Cheatham Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Rachal Lawrence created an entire site for the school’s students and teachers to utilize during Black History Month. The informative site includes read-alouds, activities, videos, and more. 
• Hightower Trail Middle School held Black History Month trivia during lunch, an MLK service project supply drive, and student interviews on Black historical figures. 

• Lassiter High School and Hightower Trail Middle School hosted service projects, including a clothing drive and Books for Africa literacy initiative.
• Pitner Elementary School students participated in a collaborative poster gallery and a third-grade Wax Museum led by teacher Marielle Lewis. The month culminated with a special first-grade performance, "Change Makers," written by teacher Michelle Lanier. The performance highlighted figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Mae Jemison, and Thurgood Marshall. The school also honored Cobb’s own Sherri Hill, Chief of Staff, during its finale celebration. 

• Sedalia Park Elementary School transformed classroom doors into a Black History Museum Walk, allowing students to learn as they toured.
• Shallowford Falls Elementary School engaged students throughout the month with Black History Month Bingo, a fun and educational game incorporating historical facts. 
• South Cobb Early Learning Center students dressed as historical figures and walked a red carpet while teachers narrated their achievements. Service Projects and Educational Activities Honor Black History Many schools used service projects, trivia, and other activities to educate and inspire students.  
• South Cobb High School engaged students with QR-coded posters of historic African Americans, a door decorating contest highlighting Black pioneers in science and medicine, and a Black History Month Spirit Week.

Hillgrove High School Blends Art, Music, and Culinary Traditions

Hillgrove High School created a sensory-rich experience with an art walk featuring student works, live jazz music, culinary presentations of African diaspora cuisine, and dramatic spoken-word performances. 

Wheeler High School Honors Humanitarians with Special Ceremony

Wheeler High School’s Black Student Union and administration recognized outstanding individuals under the theme "Greatness in Every Small Act." 

Honorees included: 

• Gianna Jones (8th Grade Early Leader - East Cobb Middle School): A passionate humanitarian involved in mentoring young children, assisting animals, and supporting community service projects. 
• Miles Stewart (Emerging Leader - Wheeler High School): Founder of Atlanta Outreach Teams, a tutoring and mentorship initiative for marginalized students. 
• Bryan Love (Teacher Humanitarian - Wheeler High School): A dedicated coach and mentor who inspires excellence through his commitment to students. 
• Judy Collins (The Impact of One Award - Wheeler High School): Honored posthumously for her 34 years of service as Wheeler’s front office clerk.

Campbell High School Recognizes Humanitarian Leaders

Campbell High School held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards Ceremony, honoring students, faculty, and community members for their service. 

Award categories included: 

Trailblazer with Courage (Students who break barriers and initiate change) 

• 9th: Camila Hoover 
• 10th: Khloe Romelus 
• 11th: Ashley Foading 
• 12th: Keira Salaices 

Perseverance (Students who overcome challenges and inspire others) 

• 9th: Rachel Carmona 
• 10th: Jeremiah Terrill 
• 11th: Ana Cabeza 
• 12th: Jesus Gatica 

Visionary (Creativity) (Students who use their creative talents to enrich their communities) 

• 9th: Scarlett Gold 
• 10th: Kendra Echols 
• 11th: Naomi "MiMi" Parrish 
• 12th: Scott Carpenter

Civic Participation (Community Engagement, Students who actively serve their communities) 

• 9th: Tylo CeCe 
• 10th: Reese Looper 
• 11th: Tyler Rasheed 
• 12th: Angel Castillo 

Synergistic (Collaborative) (Students who work together to create positive change) 

• 9th: Henry Tull 
• 10th: Christopher Lowther 
• 11th: Josephine "JoJo" Winter 
• 12th: Lauren Phillip

From inspiring performances to educational exhibits and service projects, schools across the Cobb County School District brought Black history to life in meaningful ways. These celebrations not only honored the past but also encouraged students to recognize the ongoing contributions of Black individuals in all fields of life.