Applauding Drew Hidden Geniuses' Journey of Growth

The Hidden Genius Project is a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to training and mentoring young Black males in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Through its Intensive Immersion Program, participants engage in hands-on coding projects, business development, professional skill-building, and community leadership opportunities. The program provides each Genius with a MacBook laptop, quarterly stipends, mentorship from industry professionals, and access to real-world experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and long-term success. At its core, The Hidden Genius Project aims to reveal the brilliance within each young man while helping them build confidence, purpose, and lifelong connections.

For Drew Charter School scholars, this mission is deeply felt. The program has offered far more than technical skills—it has provided personal growth, professional networks, and a strong sense of brotherhood. Together, Cayden, Quincy, Derek,  Adrian, and Albert—featured below—illustrate the powerful impact of The Hidden Genius Project. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and access to meaningful career pathways, the program helps young Black males develop into innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Their reflections highlight not only their individual growth but also the shared sense of community and empowerment that defines the Hidden Genius experience.

🎮 Level Up! Drew Charter School Launches Inaugural Esports Team and Heads to the Playoffs! 🚀

This year marks a major milestone for Drew Charter School: the official launch of our High School Esports Team! As a recognized sport under the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), this competitive gaming program is quickly becoming a thrilling new avenue for student engagement and community building, culminating in an appearance in the GHSA Playoffs this week! (11/18/25)

We sat down with Mr. David Stephens, who teaches Esports, Computer Science, and 3D Design/Animation, to learn more about this exciting development. Mr. Stephens, who has been with Drew since 2018, pioneered the Esports course two years ago and this year successfully launched the full competitive team.

🕹️ What is Esports?

"The best way I would describe it," says Mr. Stephens, "is think of any sport that you enjoy watching. Take the competitive side, the competitive aspect of it, and it's a video game."

Just as you would spectate a basketball or football game, you can now spectate Drew's athletes competing virtually against other Georgia schools. Our teams currently compete in:

• Smash Bros (Nintendo fighting game)
• Mario Kart (Virtual racing)
• Madden (Football simulation)

The season operates on a fall and spring schedule. Competitions take place every Wednesday and Thursday, starting right after school. "We're actually connecting in a virtual lobby with other schools in Georgia," explains Mr. Stephens, noting recent matchups with teams like KIPP Atlanta. For the spring season, the team is even looking at adding Marvel Rivals—a 6v6 objective-based game.

🏆 The Season So Far: Undefeated in Madden and Heading to the Playoffs!

The inaugural season began with a pre-season in early September, and after weeks of consistent performance, the team has officially earned a spot in the GHSA Playoffs!

While it was still early in the season when we first spoke, the team has since shown exceptional skill and focus. "I would say a couple of our Smash Bros teams are doing really well. Our Madden team is undefeated. Our Madden guys are really, really good—they’re making some of the other teams quit early!"

Beyond the scoreboard, Mr. Stephens emphasizes a deeper goal: "My goal is really just a place that Esports would be a place where maybe some students who normally don't connect with each other on a quote-unquote traditional sport like basketball or football... maybe they can connect in a place like this."

🤝 Building Community and Leadership

The High School Esports team includes students from 9th through 12th grade—guys and girls—some of whom are connecting for the first time. Practices are held early in the morning, 7:50 AM to 8:10 AM, offering a unique, competitive, and fun way for students to start their day.
"The response is really, really awesome," says Mr. Stephens. "There's a lot of anticipation and excitement."

The program is also bridging grade-level gaps. Ninth-graders are working alongside Seniors, sharing tips and rooting each other on. Mr. Stephens notes the value of this connection: "It is cool now to see some of the seniors who are kind of the vets or the leaders in the room connect now with the 9th graders... They work off each other, they give each other advice, they root each other on."

🛡️ Safety and Healthy Habits

For Mr. Stephens, teaching the class and coaching the team involves more than just gameplay. A core component is integrating healthy behaviors like sleep, diet, and exercise into gaming culture, as well as fostering safe online practices.

The competitive virtual matches have safety measures built in, such as turning off voice interaction on platforms like Nintendo Switch. In the classroom, Mr. Stephens strictly monitors online activity: "It's my role to give them the tools and the understanding of how great or toxic the Internet world can be."

✨ Drew’s Commitment to Opportunity

Mr. Stephens closed by highlighting Drew Charter School’s unique support for the program: "Drew is very kind and generous towards its students... They want these students to have an amazing experience, whether it's inside the classroom or outside of the classroom."
The Esports team is a shining example of how Drew provides innovative opportunities and resources, allowing students to explore the competitive, technical, and social aspects of the rapidly growing world of gaming.

📰 Playoff Schedule Sidebar: Cheer on the Drew Esports Team!

Our inaugural Esports team has clinched multiple playoff spots! Here's when and who our athletes will be competing against this week. All matches begin after school.

• Mario Kart, Tues. 11/18, 1 Team v. Chattahoochee High School
• Smash Bros, Weds. 11/19, 2 Teams v. Brantley County High & Seminole County High
• Madden, Thurs. 11/20, 2 Teams v. King’s Ridge Christian High & Martha Ellen Stillwell School of the Arts

Reflecting on an Inspiring Visit to Our School from Justice Albie Sachs

Last Friday, our students in Mr. Bennett’s and Mr. Swarn’s classes had the extraordinary opportunity to extend their learning around The Hate U Give and our ongoing Ubuntu work with a very special guest: Justice Albie Sachs.

Justice Sachs is a towering figure in the global struggle for justice. Appointed in 1994 by President Nelson Mandela to South Africa’s first Constitutional Court (the equivalent of the U.S. Supreme Court), he played a central role in shaping South Africa’s democratic Constitution. His life story is one of resilience and courage: twice detained in solitary confinement during the fight against apartheid, and later surviving a car bombing by apartheid agents. Despite these hardships, he became a leading voice for human rights, equality, and constitutionalism.

Since leaving the Court in 2009, Justice Sachs has continued to advocate for social justice worldwide. In fact, the Clooney Foundation for Justice created The Albie Award to honor individuals fighting injustice globally—and Justice Sachs was its very first recipient.

🌍 His visit to Atlanta, hosted by Shared Interest, connected him with civil rights leaders, HBCUs, and African diaspora communities, underscoring Atlanta’s unique role in advancing equitable development, cultural exchange, and ties to South Africa.

📚 Looking ahead, Justice Sachs will return to the U.S. in Fall 2025 to visit universities and share South Africa’s experiences in using law and the Constitution to dismantle racial oppression and gender inequality. He will also showcase The Albie Collection—a powerful archive of films, dialogues, and documents exploring themes such as race equality, gender-based violence, sexual orientation, prisoner rights, and social/economic justice.

🔗 Explore more:

• Compendium of Judgments – 70 video dialogues between Justice Sachs and legal scholar Thandi Matthews.

• Quest for Justice – 30 episodes telling Albie’s life story and the moral influences that shaped his thinking.

We are deeply grateful for the chance to learn from Justice Sachs and to connect his legacy with our students’ exploration of justice, equity, and Ubuntu. His presence reminded us that the fight for human dignity is both global and deeply personal.

Elementary Academy’s Mark A. Peay Brings Music, Magic, and Meaning to the Stage

At Drew’s Elementary Academy, music isn’t just a subject—it’s a movement, and Mark A. Peay is leading the charge. A seasoned musician and educator, Mr. Peay (our EA chorus teacher) is preparing to debut an abbreviated version of his original musical, Maddie and the Magic Escape Room, a vibrant, multimedia production that tackles bullying through storytelling, song, and student performance.

Mr. Peay’s journey to Drew is as dynamic as his productions. Raised in Baltimore, he experienced both sides of bullying growing up, which later inspired him to write a musical that addresses the issue head-on.

I’ve done this play in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Atlanta,” Mr. Peay shared. “It’s a story about a young girl who enters magical rooms, each with a different form of bullying. She has to solve the problem in each room to move forward.”

The musical, timed to coincide with Bully Awareness Month, is a blend of original compositions and contemporary mashups, tailored to resonate with today’s youth. Mr. Peay’s own son, now 19, helped shape scenes around cyber and verbal bullying, ensuring the narrative stays fresh and relevant. “He keeps me hip,” Mr. Peay laughed. “He helped me write scenes and gave me insight into what kids are really dealing with.”

Mr. Peay’s professional background includes touring with legends like Tyler Perry, Kelly Price, and Stevie Wonder. But it was the Trayvon Martin tragedy that sparked a shift. “I was doing well in the industry, but I wanted my son to grow up in a better world,” he said. “I felt called to be part of the solution, so I stepped away and returned to education.”

Now in his third year at Drew, Mr. Peay is known for building music programs from the ground up. His productions are ambitious, immersive, and deeply affirming for students. “I want to be the teacher I didn’t have—the one who sees the spark and helps develop it,” he said. His passion for neurodiversity and artistic expression is reflected in his teaching philosophy: “I wasn’t autistic, I was artistic,” he explained, referencing his childhood diagnosis and the activity book he created to help kids embrace their gifts.

The upcoming performances of Maddie and the Magic Escape Room will take place in the EA cafeteria, a first for Mr. Peay, and he’s determined to deliver a high-quality experience, ensuring the students’ hard work is preserved and shared. “These kids are amazing,” Peay said. “They deserve to be seen and heard beyond just Black History Month or Christmas.”

With Drew CARES providing financial support and community engagement, Mr. Peay sees the choir as a powerful marketing tool for the school. “When we sing in Oakhurst Village or do benefit concerts, people ask how they can help,” he said. “It’s exposure, and it’s empowerment.”

For Mr. Peay, Drew Charter is more than a workplace—it’s a platform for transformation. “I love Drew because it lets me do what I love, and it’s appreciated,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.”

🎭Watch members of the EA Chorus perform Maddie and the Magic Escape Room live via Drew’s Fine Arts streaming channel on YouTube:
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2:15 p.m.

🎹See and hear Mr. Peay in a solo performance - all proceeds benefit Drew CARES!
A Night with Peay’toven the Pianist: Magical Moments of Music & Muse
Sunday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Academy Theatre, 599 N. Central Ave., Hapeville
Get tickets here

From Home Kitchen to Culinary Stardom: Brian Mitchell’s Rise

Drew Senior Brian Mitchell’s culinary journey began in the warmth of his family kitchen, where he discovered a love for cooking alongside his parents. That early spark ignited a passion that flourished during Drew's Culinary Masterclass, where Brian mastered essential techniques—from knife skills and plating to baking and kitchen safety.

“Since then, I’ve taken every opportunity I could to grow and learn more about food,” Brian shared. “Earlier this school year, I had the chance to work at the PGA Tour as a griller. It went perfectly. The team was easy to work with, and I held my own during the busy hours. Later, I traveled to Las Vegas with my family and got to visit Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay Burger. It inspired me to try and make that kind of quality food for people.”

Brian’s drive and dedication earned him a spot in the Navigate Foundation Culinary Training Program, a rigorous two-week experience designed to prepare students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industry. There, he not only refined his cooking skills but also gained critical knowledge in budgeting, employability, and financial literacy.

Currently, Brian is completing an internship at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he’s praised as a hardworking, eager learner. His supervisors note that he consistently arrives early, comes prepared, and collaborates seamlessly with professionals in a high-paced kitchen environment.

Looking back, Brian credits Drew's Culinary Masterclass Program for giving him the opportunity to soar, and we know he’s just getting started!

👏 Stay tuned for more — the fall Culinary Masterclass cohort is in training right now!

🎥Watch the Culinary Masterclass Highlight Video

From Pre-K to Possibilities: Celebrating Drew Charter School’s Class of 2025

Drew Charter School proudly celebrated the graduation of 108 remarkable students—the Class of 2025 on May 17th.  With over $11.6 million in scholarships earned and 99 students receiving at least one award, this class exemplifies academic excellence, creativity, resilience, and the power of a Drew education. 

As Atlanta’s first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) charter school, Drew provides an innovative learning environment that encourages students to explore, build, design, and dream. From Pre-K through 12th grade, students are nurtured in a culture of curiosity and compassion. Whether they joined Drew as early learners or transferred later, every student becomes part of the “Drew Family.” 

This year, 63 students, known as “Drew babies,” graduated after beginning their journey at Drew in Pre-K or Kindergarten. Their growth is a testament to the school’s cradle-to-college approach, which is made possible by dedicated teachers, school counselors, staff, the Drew Board of Directors, and the East Lake Foundation, who guide students at every step. 

“The Class of 2025 leaves a legacy of academic achievement, leadership, and community impact. “Each graduate in the Class of 2025 represents the very best of Drew—their journey reflects resilience, leadership, and the power of possibility,” said Dr. Kendrick Myers, Senior Academy Principal. “They’ve set a high bar and carry with them the values and relationships that make our community strong. We couldn’t be prouder.” 

During this spring’s graduation ceremony, the class of 2025’s strong academic performance and honors elicited cheers from a gymnasium filled with families, friends, and community members, including representatives from Drew Charter School and the Atlanta Public Schools board of directors.  

Academic excellence: 

• 73 students (67%) graduated with honors, including: 

• 28 with Honors (GPA 85–89.9) 

• 32 with Honors with Distinction (GPA 90–94.9) 

• 13 with Highest Honors (GPA 95+) 

Embodying the intellect and character cultivated at Drew, the class Valedictorian will attend Georgia Tech, and the Salutatorian will attend Howard University. 

Close to 100 percent of the class is pursuing college in the fall of 2025: 

• 85 to 4-year institutions 

• 15 to 2-year institutions 

Of those who are college-bound, 58 are staying in Georgia, and 42 are heading to matriculate outside of Georgia. Several graduates received prestigious national scholarships, including the Gates Scholarship, POSSE, and 5 Strong. 

Drew’s next-generation leaders are maximizing opportunity at every level. Six graduates are entering the workforce, and two will serve in the U.S. military. 

Preparing for life after Drew is part of its culture, and it starts early.  From the first classroom to the graduation stage, Drew’s educators play a pivotal role. This year is no different for the class of 2025. Teachers, advisors, and counselors collaborated across grade levels to ensure continuity of academic growth and emotional development. For example, beginning in 9th grade, students participate in intentional programs to prepare for life after graduation. Those programs include: 

• Ubuntu Retreat (9th grade) to foster community and identity 

• STEAM College and Career Week for all students 

• 9th grade College Visits 

• Sophomore and Junior Overnight College Tours across Georgia, the Southeast, and beyond 

• ACT Prep, Mock ACTs, and ACT School Day 

• Weekly Parent Lunch Hours, College Rep Visits, and HBCU Night 

• 1:1 meetings with counselors starting junior year 

• Dual Enrollment and internships  

Several of our graduates also finished the year strong in athletics, competing in state championship games. 

To read their stories, visit the Drew Newsroom.  

Congratulations, Drew Charter School Class of 2025! 

Soccer Eagles Make APS History with State Championship

In a commanding 5-1 victory over Shaw High School on May 16th, our Drew Boys Soccer team capped off an incredible 18-1 season, making history as the first Atlanta Public School team to win the 2025 GHSA Class 2A state championship in soccer.  

“This is more than a win, it's a legacy moment for our school, our city, and the entire APS community,” says Kandice Mitchell, Athletics director. “This championship reflects talent, hard work, and the unity and spirit that define Drew Charter. What I witnessed at that game gave me chills from beginning to end.”  

Two busloads of students and chaperones traveled on “Drew Fan Buses” to Macon to cheer on the team and catch the historic win on the eve of Drew’s graduation exercises. Our new state champions have been honored by the Atlanta Public Schools Board and acknowledged by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens for this great accomplishment. 

“We couldn't have done it without the collective support of everyone who played a role in our team getting this far. We couldn't be prouder of our athletes, coaches, and the incredible support from our families, faculty, and fans,” added Ms. Mitchell. 

Golf Team Showcases Skill and Heart in State Championship Run

This year’s Golf team continues to make the Drew family proud. The team competed in the GHSA State Championship tournament in Columbus in May, and our team of nine boys and one girl represented Drew with pride. The boys tied 8th out of 12 teams, and Ja’Mya finished 15th out of 53 golfers in the individual competition category just days before graduation. 

Drew has an exceptional golf program. In 2019, the team made history by becoming the first all-African American team and the first Atlanta Public Schools team to win a state championship in golf in Georgia.  

“We are proud of our golfers. They gave it their all,” says Athletics Director Kandice Mitchell, who appreciated the parents and coaches who were there, ensuring the players remained focused, hydrated, well-fed, and rested. “It was such a joy to ride alongside them in the golf cart, watching them compete from hole to hole in 92-degree heat with 14-pound bags on their backs. I’m really proud of them.” 

SA Gymnast Vaults to Nationals, Places Among the Nation’s Best

Drew Charter School is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of  Elias T., a rising senior and elite gymnast, who soared to new heights this spring with a series of standout performances on the national stage. 

Elias, who trains at the Atlanta School of Gymnastics, spent his Spring Break claiming 1st place in the 2025 Region 4 Men’s Gymnastics Championship (17-year-old Division). This fiercely competitive meet included athletes from eight states. With only the top 26 gymnasts advancing in each division, Elias’s first-place finish secured his spot at Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah, held in early May. 

In Salt Lake City, Elias competed against the country’s top gymnasts in a demanding five-day competition. Out of 158 athletes, he was one of just 49 to qualify for the final round in the Men’s Optionals Gymnastics category. Elias tied for 21st place nationally in the 17-year-old division—an incredible accomplishment in an extraordinary season that  also included top finishes at local meets and a first-place state championship.  

Congratulations, Elias! Your hard work, perseverance, and excellence inspire us all. 

Our Class of 2025 Eagles take a walk down memory lane

Check out Senior Walk 2025 

Breakfast with the Board connects students and board leaders (March 2025)

Student-leaders connected with Drew Charter School and Atlanta Public Schools board members at the March 4th Annual Breakfast with the Board. Seniors, Student Government Association and APS Student Advisory Council leaders, and 8th graders enjoyed a hot breakfast and engaging conversations with board members.

The topics covered included teacher pay, college and career readiness, mental health, and digital resources—all driven by student questions. By asking big questions and receiving great answers, the morning highlighted how our Charter and District leaders are invested in their students through thoughtful connections. Students were encouraged to stay engaged and to use their voices and power to drive change in their
communities.

Drew Charter board members in attendance were Ilham Askia, Laura Bollman, Althea Broughton, Tonya Durden, Deidra Glover, Reina Jones, Shannon Longino, John Majors, S. Gordon Moore, Nicole McClendon, Rodney Sanders, and Catherine Woodling.

The HBCU Experience was Electric! (March 2025)

The energy was electric as students kicked off the spring season on March 26 with Drew’s annual HBCU Experience.

Students, staff, and faculty connected with representatives from top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Albany State University, Florida A&M University, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and Tuskegee University, gaining valuable insight into college life, scholarships, and career pathways. A dynamic panel discussion featuring Drew teachers and staff who graduated from HBCUs offered personal stories of
resilience, success, and the impact of an HBCU education.

One of the highlights of the day? A sampling of Morehouse College’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter step team’s electrifying performance had the crowd on their feet!

The HBCU Experience celebrates culture, history, and opportunity

Strong Minds, Mindful Moments (March 2025)

Drew Charter School’s Mental Wellness Week, held in March, was a powerful reminder of what happens when students are given the space—and the voice—to shape their school culture.

Organized by a passionate team of students and staff, the weeklong series of activities was designed to normalize conversations about mental health and promote awareness around seeking support. “It’s critical that we provide space for mental health awareness,” said Rachel Weaver, Managing Director of Counseling and Wellness. 

The week included sessions inviting students to reflect on their well-being through
guided discussions and shared experiences. From there, students participated in various “Mental Health Session Days,” selecting from options like walking meditation, creating personal music playlists, writing letters to their future selves, and even engaging in therapeutic Play-Doh activities.

“The Play-Doh and walks gave us time to pause and just breathe,” shared one student. Another added, “Can we do this every week?”

Weaver said the idea for a dedicated week came directly from student feedback. “Student leaders were excited to see their ideas come to life. Their voices drove this, and we want all our families and stakeholders to understand that our students are leading these efforts.”

The Counseling & Wellness team facilitated each session, providing students with a safe and supportive space to explore practical strategies for managing stress, processing emotions, and supporting one another.

“We want everyone at Drew to feel comfortable talking about mental health—and to know where to go when they need support,” Weaver said.

Georgia Honors Drew’s Golf Champions (April 2025)

Our Golf Our 2019 State Golf Championship team keeps getting recognition. The history-making champions captured the nation’s attention when they became the first Atlanta Public Schools team and comprised entirely of African-American players to win
a state golf championship.

On April 2, 2025, Representative Omari Crawford honored the original players from that winning year with a proclamation from the Georgia House of Representatives. The players and coaches gathered at the Georgia State Capital to accept their proclamation, that reads in part: “WHEREAS, the Charles R. Drew Public Charter School varsity boys golf team has established and maintained a proud tradition of excellence with equal emphases on character and academics; and WHEREAS, excellent play, superior teamwork, and extraordinary resilience made this team a spectacular one to observe throughout the season.”

The players and coaches who accepted the proclamation included Jalen Cook, Connor Mason, Chris McCrary, Solomon Dobbs, Traveon McCurty, and Coaches Nye, Jeff, and Weems.