People

APD appoints LGBT liaison

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, April 30th, 2012, 10:48am

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Police Department has named a new LGBT liaison officer to serve the department.

Officer Kristin Knight was appointed to her position last week by Chief George Turner.

"I'm looking forward to this wonderful and challenging opportunity to serve as a link between the LGBT community and the brave men and women of the Atlanta Police Department," Knight said after she was appointed. "As a proud member of both the gay community and the APD, I will take great pride and care in ensuring we continue our mutual respect and understanding."

Knight joined APD in 2005, working as a patrol officer downtown and in Midtown. Last year, the Connecticut native joined the Community Liaison Unit. She originally moved south to attend Clark Atlanta University and is now completing her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Saint Leo University.

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22 APS students win Gates Millennium Scholarship

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012, 10:49am

22 APS students win Gates Millennium Scholarship

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Public Schools can now boast the third-highest number of 2012 Gates Millennium Scholarship winners in the United States.

The prestigious scholarship covers tuition, room and board for any major at any university. Only 1,000 students in the country receive the honor every year.

This year's recipients from APS include:

Carver Early College High School
Makeeva Walker

Carver School of the Arts
Ashley Thomas

Carver School of Health Sciences & Research
Cesar Chavez

Frederick Douglass High School
Kaitlin Camp
Jasmine Davis
Rifat Mursalin

Henry W. Grady High School
Abena Amoakuh
Chantil Coleman
Raveen Ford
Shafiq Gyagenda

Maynard H. Jackson High School
Alexander Greene

Benjamin E. Mays High School
Douglas Ruffin

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Tee Off for Hope at East Lake Golf Club

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, April 23rd, 2012, 8:54am

ATLANTA -- Tee Off for Hope, the annual charity golf tournament for Atlanta's Society of St. Vincent de Paul, will be held Monday, Apr. 30 at East Lake Golf Club.

Participants in the tournament will become "Members for the Day" of the exclusive club, home to golf legend Bobby Jones. Several notable Atlantans are scheduled to attend and participate, including former UGA football coach Vince Dooley, Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory and 11Alive's own Fred Kalil.

Money raised by Tee Off for Hope goes to help local families struggling with hunger, poverty and joblessness. The funds support such organizations as St. Vincent de Paul's Family Support Centers and Food Recovery and Distribution Program.

To register for the tournament, visit www.svdpatl.org.

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3 APS schools saved, 7 to close

Submitted by Gary Franklin, 11Alive Assignment Editor

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012, 3:15pm

ATLANTA -- In a meeting that lasted more than 12 hours and had more than 500 attendees, some chanting and carrying signs, the Atlanta school board approved a controversial redistricting plan late Tuesday night.

The board unanimously approved the plan advanced by Superintendent Erroll Davis with three amendments: to keep Towns, D.H. Stanton and F.L. Stanton elementary schools open.

Outbursts from the audience stopped the meeting twice. At one point, while the superintendent was absent, someone from the crowd yelled that Davis needed to return before they continued. The crowd began chanting "We want Davis." In a separate incident, a man who reportedly caused a commotion was escorted out by Atlanta police officers.

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Former Atlanta Mayor Ambassaor Andrew Young celebrates 80

Submitted by Arit Essien, 11Alive Contributing Blogger

Thursday, March 15th, 2012, 3:50pm

Former Atlanta Mayor Ambassaor Andrew Young celebrates 80

Living a life of many hats, many jokes, and many roles; civil rights crusader, and political leader Andrew Young born March 12, 1932, celebrated 80 years Tuesday with family and friends.

Receiving an early birthday gift a week before in Atlanta, also known as “the city which he built;” Young’s birthday and achievements were recognized during a surprise reception at Atlanta City Hall, chaired by Councilman Michael Julian Bond.

“I’ll be damned, they put one over on me,” Young said, joined by his daughter Andrea and co-conspirator wife Carolyn Young.

Mrs. Young revealed that her plot to surprise "Andy" was inspired after speaking with Bond during a Trumpet Awards Civil Rights Walk of Fame induction January; and from her to desire to do something for a man always doing for someone else.

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APS board votes to replace Muhammad

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, January 9th, 2012, 5:02pm

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Public Schools board has voted 5-4 to elect Reuben McDaniel as its new chairman.

McDaniel will replace Brenda Muhammad, who was elected in June 2011 to take the place of Khaatim Sherrer El.

The board also voted 5-4 Monday to make Byron Amos its vice chairman.

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Merry Christmas from Gov. Deal

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Saturday, December 24th, 2011, 11:11am

ATLANTA -- Governor Nathan Deal issued a special holiday greeting for Georgia residents on Friday.

As Christmas nears, I wanted to wish every Georgian a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Christmas has a special way of reminding us what is really important: our faith in God, family and the well-being of our fellow man.

But Christmas is not limited to a single season or date on a calendar. These feelings of peace and love are always with us throughout our lives. For many, Christmas serves as a rejuvenation of these values and ideals.

After the gifts are all unwrapped and the candles begin to dim, our spirits will once again be enriched and fully restored.

As we reflect on all we have been able to accomplish this past year, we will cary this rejuvenated spirit to achieve all the goals that we have set for the coming years.

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