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Inspire Atlanta

We recognize a big part of our journalistic mission is to shine a spotlight on wrongdoings and to hold our public officials accountable. But we also understand the importance of celebrating our region’s moments, milestones and people. That’s exactly what we hope to accomplish with Inspire Atlanta. Each week, Inspire Atlanta will profile a person that makes metro Atlanta a better place in which to live.
Of course, we can’t do this alone: We need your help in finding extraordinary people and identifying inspiring stories across our region. Know someone who inspires you or makes metro Atlanta a better place for others? Email us at InspireAtlanta@ajc.com.
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Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Lovett School gets ‘historic’ $30 million gift from Rollins family

The gift honors the oldest child of Randall and Peggy Rollins, who died in 1970.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Magnolia Room: How one man saved a Southern tradition

When S&S Cafeteria closed, longtime patron Louis Squires took all its furnishings – including its famous serving line – and opened a new restaurant in Tucker.

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Full circle: Sisters who were APS students now serve as APS principals

Sisters Kristy Reese and Kimberly Gibbs spent 12 years in Atlanta Public Schools and now educate others in the same system as school principals.

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Credit: Grapefruit Photo

Georgia Festival of Trees shines light on human trafficking

Family-friendly annual event raises money for Street Grace.

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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

AJC HER+STORY

Why this nonprofit leader says more people should consider careers in tech

A former high school teacher, Shana Sanders has made it her mission to create programs to help more students find pathways into STEM fields.

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Credit: Family Photo

Cumming family hopeful as man awakens from coma in Bali, flown back home

Uphill battle remains for Mark Moczarski after moped crash in Indonesia, family says.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Ordinary people work toward extraordinary change

Joan and Rufus Darkortey are founders of the Liberia Economic Development Initiative, a nonprofit that is lifting Liberian children out of poverty through education.

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Credit: NATRICE MILLER

Community support at heart of Atlanta law firm’s 140-year success

Attorneys and staff at Atlanta law firm King & Spalding are completing 140 community service projects to mark the firm's 140th anniversary.

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Credit: spec

KIPP Atlanta teachers give gift of reading to Kenyans

The Atlanta teachers were part of a mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya, to establish literacy clinics in the Kibera slums.

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Credit: Courtesy of Cassidy Windsor

‘Pure happiness’: Roswell QB passes homecoming king honors to team assistant

Jake Jeffries, a Roswell High senior who has Down syndrome, has helped the football team since 2020, most recently as part of the athletic training staff.

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Credit: Ben Gray

Mind over matter

Ocean Gorecki, a top swimmer, was seriously injured in a car crash. His recovery led to training his mind to deal with pain -- and sparkied his interest neuroscience.

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Credit: spec

Atlanta Ballet opens doors for young dancers

The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s community engagement program draws 1,200 students of diverse backgrounds into the world of dance.

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Credit: Jenni Girtman

INSPIRE ATLANTA

Woodstock teacher’s classroom heart attack changed his life

River Ridge Spanish teacher and coach Keith Hooper suffered a heart attack at school in January, and doctors said he was close to death because of severely blocked arteries.

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Credit: Phil Skinner

Mableton cafe is welcoming space for special needs community

Glenn's Café in Mableton provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and fosters a welcoming, accessible environment.

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Credit: Sarah Peacock/AJC

Sweet Tea: A tiny place for big wishes

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Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal

Kate’s Club was born from loss, built on community

In 20 years, the program has helped 15,000 grieving youngsters.

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Credit: Courtesy of Emma Mathews

Sweet Tea: An elite meat

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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

‘A blessing’ to the community, Carver coach on cusp of 150-win club

Myles, who took over the program in 2005, has been more than a football coach. He means a lot to his players and the community.

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Credit: spec

Alpharetta nonprofit helps America’s heroes find work

Hire Heroes USA takes anxiety out of job search for service members re-entering civilian life.

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Spencer Strider named Braves’ nominee for Roberto Clemente Award

Pitcher created VIP program for kids and families in the foster care system.