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Teachers are one of the most important, but under-appreciated professions in the country. The Atlanta Hawks, the NBA team for Atlanta, Georgia, are working to change that narrative.

Nine Atlanta Public School teachers are being honored with $500 gift cards for school supplies and over $10,000 in Clorox products. These much deserved rewards are a part of the Atlanta Hawks “Year of the Teacher” initiative, which awards teachers for their “exemplary contributions of service throughout an unprecedented school year.”

“It’s been an honor to recognize local teachers all season with our partners, the Atlanta Hawks,” said Tad Kittredge, Vice President and General Manager at The Clorox Company. “They are the heroes who give so much, especially in guiding students through the uncertainty of the last two years, and it’s a small way we can show our appreciation and lend support.”

The teachers will also receive two tickets each to a Hawks home game and will be recognized as honorary co-captains for their service.

These are the 2021-2022 honorees for the “Year of the Teacher”:

  • Charles Astin – Second Grade Teacher from F.L. Stanton Elementary School
  • Dorothy Chu – First Grade English Teacher for the Dual Language Immersion Program from Morris Brandon Elementary
  • Ce’Zane Grant – Second Grade Teacher from KIPP Woodson Park Academy
  • Christine Mitchell – Science and Math Teacher from Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Deserae Obong – Special Education Teacher from Humphries Elementary
  • George Parker – Fourth and Fifth Grade Special Education Interrelated Teacher from Harper-Archer Elementary School
  • Dr. Benita Simmons – STEM Specialist from Usher-Collier Elementary School from
  • Gaynell Troy – Eighth Grade Math and Computer Science Teacher from Herman J. Russell West End Academy
  • Yesenia Visoso – Dual Language Pre-K Teacher from Garden Hills Elementary

The teachers were chosen to receive the awards after a public nomination and a panel that determined the final selection of award recipients.