Celebrating the Transformative Power of Arts and Education at the 2024 AK H.O.N.O.R.S.

What do a standing ovation, heartfelt testimonials, and breakthrough performances have in common? They all came to life at the 2024 Artportunity Knocks H.O.N.O.R.S., a night dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of the arts, education, and community service. On this extraordinary evening, Heroes Of Notable Optimism, Resilience, and Service were recognized for their impact, and together we reflected on how arts and education can shape brighter futures for our youth.

A Night to Remember
The AK HONORS event, held exclusively for our dedicated community of supporters, team members, and champions, was an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration. Set within the intimate setting of Vinyl at Center Stage, the night began with warm smiles and mingling during a lively mixer, setting the tone for the celebration to come.

Event Highlights:

• Inspiring Testimonials: Former students like Josh Smith and Julin Martin shared how their experiences with Artportunity Knocks paved the way for their personal and professional growth.
  
• Live Performances: America’s Got Talent finalists, Final Draft, delivered dynamic and engaging performances that had the audience thrilled and energized. Alumni performer J’Eon added his own flair, reminding everyone of the talent that blossoms through support.
  
• Honoring Leadership: Lifetime Support Award recipient Solomon “Sol” Hicks reminded us of the power of consistency and giving back. We also bid a heartfelt farewell to four board members—Ayanna Overall, Jared Turner, Mel Breeden, and Naushad Shahzad—whose commitment and service have elevated our mission to new heights.
  

Recognizing Excellence: The 2024 Award Winners
We are proud to announce the deserving recipients of the 2024 AK HONORS Awards. These outstanding individuals exemplify the spirit of dedication, creativity, and collaboration that is at the heart of Artportunity Knocks:

• Radiant Spirit Award: Felita Stringfellow
• Creative Innovator Award: Tangee McLeroy
• Team Spirit Award: Jerelyn Buchanan
• Classroom Excellence Award: Dianne Johnson
• Exceptional Collaboration Award: Joshua Smith
• Rising Star Award: Nyelie Escamilla
• Excellence in Program Development Award: Jimi Rogers
• Person of the Year Award: Olivia Waddy

​
Each awardee has made significant contributions to our community, from developing new programs to fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity that empowers our youth.

The Power of Impact
This special evening not only celebrated accomplishments but also spotlighted the incredible impact of arts and education in shaping lives. This year alone, Artportunity Knocks has achieved:

• 2,300+ families served through enriching programs and events.
• 565+ youth impacted by our after-school programs, summer camps, and workshops, which empower creativity, academic excellence, and social development.

Through your generosity, we’ve inspired a generation to dream, create, and achieve—but the need continues to grow.

Continuing the Mission
The AK HONORS wasn’t just a celebration; it was a call to action. While we take pride in the strides we’ve made, the work to empower Atlanta’s youth through arts and education programs is ongoing.

Will you join us in making a difference?
​
Your support directly helps children from underserved communities access STEAM-based programs that ignite creativity, bolster confidence, and open doors to future opportunities. Whether it’s helping a student discover their voice in music, guiding them to explore a passion for technology, or inspiring them to lead with resilience, every dollar makes a tangible impact.

Let’s Build Brighter Futures Together
As we reflect on the unforgettable moments of the 2024 AK HONORS, let’s keep the momentum going. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate: Your contribution to our year-end campaign empowers children in Metro Atlanta who need it most. Click here to give.
• Connect: Follow us on social media to stay updated and inspired.
• Spread the Word: Share the impact of Artportunity Knocks with your network. Together, we can expand our reach and transform more lives.

To everyone who attended and supported the AK HONORS, thank you for being part of this journey. Your belief in the power of arts and education fuels everything we do. Let’s continue to dream big and make an even greater impact in the year ahead.