🌱 India Watson- Goodwill Of N. Georgia Top Graduate + Early Closing

Hi there, everyone! Let's make this a sensational Saturday! I'm back in your inbox with your fresh copy of the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town today, including...

• Honoring Goodwill of North Georgia's 2023 Top Graduate, India Watson
• The Museum School of Avondale Estates forced to close its doors earlier than scheduled.
• Honoring local dance leaders.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 51.

Here are the top stories in Decatur-Avondale Estates today:

1. I, Cherryl Young was elated after being invited to attend part of the Goodwill of North Georgia's Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony took place on May 24 at 3 p.m. It was held at the Goodwill Decatur Career Service Center location on Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. There was an enormous graduating class of 253 graduates of which 109 have secured jobs upon the program's completion! Their new positions are comprised of many well-known companies throughout Georgia, such as Amazon, Kroger, Delta Airlines, and the Georgia Department of Transportation. 79% of this year's graduates are of African descent or "Black." Though all of the graduates were honored and celebrated, there was one in particular who beat many odds to earn her spot as the Number One- Top Graduate of Goodwill of North Georgia's Class of 2023! That honor went to Ms. India Watson! It was my pleasure to meet and chat with her prior to her walking across the stage. You can view her story on Youtube. I, too had the opportunity to chat with her (not this Youtube video in particular) and can also add that she is an amazing, empowering woman, who put her faith into work and never gave up on achieving her goals. During my chat with India, she spoke about the importance of self-love, her faith, empowering others, her son, and the gratitude that she has for her new career and the great people at Goodwill of North Georgia. I am thankful I was given the honor of being part of such a great day. A huge Thank you goes out to Mr. Brady Brown, Trenise Lyons, and, of course, Top Graduate, India Watson! ( https://goodwillng.org/our-imp...)

2. The Museum School of Avondale Estates was forced to close its doors yesterday. It was supposed to be the school's last day of classes before the summer break. Unfortunately, verbal threats made regarding the safety of students sped up the closing date. The Avondale Estates Police Department responded to threats that were made on Thursday. All staff, students, and visitors were prohibited from entering the school and all planned activities were canceled. (Decaturish.com )

3. Douglas Scott, Nena Gilreath, and Waverly T. Lucas will be honored this June 13th. The three Atlanta-based dance leaders have combined talents that range from artistic-executive director to co-founders of some of Georgia's best-known dance companies. All three have put in many years to perfect their crafts. You can learn about the Conference programming tracks and schedule by clicking the provided link. ( The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

🏡 Are you looking for a new and effective way to advertise your real estate business? If you've maxed out your lead generation with Zillow and Google, we have a fresh solution for you. Our exclusive sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to reach potential clients and stand out in the market. Click here to learn more.

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Exhibit: The Surreal World - DeKalb County Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Be Your Own Travel Guide - DeKalb County Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Decatur Library Used Book Sale Set for May 27 (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Class of 2023 was congratulated and welcomed as they became the newest DHS Alumni! The DHS team spoke out regarding their best wishes and safe travels. Check out more by clicking on the link. (The Decatur Education Foundation via Facebook)
• Only days away from the open house on Tuesday, May 30th. Those interested in attending must RSVP as soon as possible. You may do so by clicking here today to learn more about the league https://docs.google.com/forms/.... (Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. via Facebook)
• May is National Foster Care Month. This is a special time set aside to raise awareness about mental health and the needs of children in the foster care system. Many children in the system are waiting to find their forever home and in doing so may suffer from the anxiety of such a wait. The folks at Wellroot invite you to find out more about the services they offer and how you can help. (Wellroot Family Services via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch newsletter? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com