Podcasts Shine Light on Importance of Graduation | | |
Did you know that each year, tens of thousands of Georgia students don’t graduate from high school? Over 21,000 dropped out in 2022. That single class of non-graduates will cost the state an estimated $14.4 billion in lost income, tax revenue, and added social costs over their lifetime.
Georgia Appleseed’s Michael Waller hit the virtual road over the last few weeks to tell that story and talk about our new report, Unlocking Georgia’s Potential. You can catch him on WABE A Closer Look interview with Rose Scott and Dr. Paul Gavoni’s Crisis in Education podcast.
Check out the report—the result of a partnership with a Georgia State University team led by Professor Dan Pasciuti—to learn more about the impact of school dropout on kids, their communities, and the whole state. We know you’ll come to the same conclusion that we did: When children stay in school, Georgia thrives.
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“Graduating a child is maybe the smartest investment Georgia can make.”
--Michael Waller, Executive Director
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A 24-Hour Act of Generosity:
Adrianne Murchison’s Marathon of Support
| | What could you talk about for 24 hours straight, non-stop? Why, Georgia Appleseed, of course! Adrianne Murchison answered that question with an inspiring display of creativity and commitment by recently, hosting a 24-hour live podcast in support of Georgia Appleseed and Georgia’s kids! Her marathon of storytelling, joy, and determination raised over $800 for our work and shined a bright light on the needs of children and families across Georgia. Listeners tuned in from Atlanta to Thailand! Adrianne transformed her platform into a celebration of community and purpose, and we are profoundly grateful for her generosity and partnership. Read Adrianne’s recap on the experience here. | | |
This November, Georgia Appleseed’s FAIR Project surpassed 100 referrals for the current school year - with 13 arriving in just one week. It’s a powerful reminder of how many Georgia children need support navigating school discipline. Through FAIR, we provide the advocacy and support students need to stay in school and on track.
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We’re excited to introduce Yasmine Atamna, our new Operations & Communications Coordinator! Yasmine brings valuable experience from the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, where she focused on public health and healthcare strategy operations. At Georgia Appleseed, she supports our publications and resources, events, and internal systems - helping ensure our work remains timely, accessible, and impactful. With her strong background in strategic operations, health education, and communications, Yasmine is already strengthening how we collaborate and boost our impact across Georgia. Learn more about Yasmine here.
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In Case You Missed Us
Catch up on the highlights from recent Georgia Appleseed events!
| | Justice Conversations: Educate and Celebrate | | |
This year’s Justice Conversations looked a little different, as we combined the panel with our annual donor appreciation event and 20th anniversary celebration for Educate and Celebrate! Leading children’s rights expert Professor Tanya Washington moderated our panel discussion, From Home to Classroom: Protecting Children's Rights. Multi-Agency Alliance for Children's Tyee Washington and national child welfare expert Tom Rawlings discussed how to improve school climate and safety, juvenile justice, family support, and housing policies for Georgia's children and families.
Thanks to our incredible host, Southern Company, and our many donors, supporters and volunteers who've made these last 20 years possible! We're growing forward because of you!
| | Leading the Conversation on Absenteeism | | |
Chronic school absenteeism has rapidly become a top concern for legislators in both the House and Senate. Legislators asked Georgia Appleseed to present to the joint Georgia Senate and House Study Committees on Absenteeism. Our own Darlene Lynch showed how absenteeism is closely tied to: new enrollment barriers aimed at excluding students labeled as “trouble-makers” and zero-tolerance discipline practices that remove children from school for minor behaviors. From CapitolBeat to the Statesboro Herald, coverage across the state reported on Darlene's presentation.
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Acronym of the Day: SASCC
("sassy")
School Attendance School Climate Committee
Learn more
| | Office Closed for Winter Sabbatical: December 25, 2025 - January 1, 2026 | | Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition Day at the Capitol - January 21, 2026, 9 AM to noon. Join us for a press conference and chance to learn about healthy housing. Contact ghhc@gaappleseed.org for more information. | |  | Save the Date for Roaring for Justice 2026! We invite you to join us on Friday, April 24, 2026 at The Foundry to raise critical funds for Georgia children, explore the latest exhibit of See Me, and network with Georgia Appleseed's community of supporters. Sponsorship opportunities are still available at all levels. Learn more here. | | Connecting with you helps us build our community of advocates and amplify our mission to advance justice for children across Georgia. View our video library on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FaceBook. | | | | | |
