AHS nears completion of Habitat house

October 1, 2021

Cadman honored by CBS46 Surprise Squad

AHS chapter close to completing Habitat house

Earlier this week, CBS46’s Surprise Squad made a stop by Alexander High School, and the school’s Habitat for Humanity chapter and its president, Sutton Cadman, were the recipients of two big surprises.

On Tuesday morning before school, Cadman was expecting the news media to come to AHS’ Habitat for Humanity meeting to interview him and club members about a home they are building in the Douglasville community.

However, when CBS46’s Gurvir Dhindsa entered the meeting, she had much more than an interview planned for him.

Initially she presented AHS’ Habitat for Humanity chapter with a $1,500 donation toward their cause courtesy of United Community Bank and brought the group Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast. Dunkin’ also announced it would be providing breakfast for volunteers at the building site this weekend.

“I was more than surprised, but it was great,” Cadman said. “I’m super glad that The Surprise Squad came out, and I’m just really happy to be surprised with the donation. It more than pushed us over our goal, and now we’ve raised $100,000.”

But that’s not where the giving stopped. Cadman, who chapter sponsor Debbie Rager and vice president Gracie Chaves both described as a selfless leader, was awarded a $500 gift card to Bass Pro Shops and other prizes from Dunkin’.

“Sutton has always been a very sweet guy and wanting to give back, and he’s very smart. It doesn’t surprise me what he’s done,” said Gracie Chaves, AHS’ Habitat for Humanity vice president. “This was well deserved. He’s done so much, and it’s crazy how he’s started this from nothing.”

Cadman, a member of AHS’ fishing team, says he plans to use his gift card on new lures for fishing once the chapter finishes its current build.

Though only in its second year of existence, AHS’ chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which was started by Cadman, has already raised enough money to build a home for a local veteran.

But even though the build is nearly complete, Cadman won’t be taking much down time, as he said he hopes to begin fundraising for two more homes soon after finishing this one to continue giving back to the community.

“I love giving back to the community, and these young adults I work with do too,” Cadman said. “Nothing is better to see than somebody with that nice smile and being so thankful for getting a house.”

Read more about Cadman, AHS’ Habitat for Humanity chapter and their current build in the Atlanta Journal Constitution here. You can also watch the CBS46 Surprise Squad’s visit to AHS here.

Want to help with the AHS Habitat house?

"The Alexander Habitat house has truly been a community project," said Ms. Rager, club sponsor. This past weekend, volunteers from Lithia Springs High School and JROTC members from Chapel Hill High School pitched in to help, along with volunteers from The Church at Chapel Hill.

The house, which will go to a veteran, is scheduled to be completed on Saturday, October 16. AHS could use more volunteers for interior painting this weekend. Volunteers can sign up here for October 2, 9 or 16. Community members may also volunteer to supply breakfast items (fruit, muffins) and lunch for about 30 volunteers on one of the upcoming Saturdays. To make a breakfast or lunch donation, please reach out to Ms. Rager at debbie.rager@dcssga.org.

Pictured below are AHS students hard at work last weekend on exterior and interior painting.

Actress Naturi Naughton Inspires North Douglas Elementary Girls During Visit

A well-known actress is inspiring North Douglas Elementary School students to continue pursuing their dreams.

Naturi Naughton visited 3rd grade girls Thursday and read from a book written by her father, Ezra Naughton Jr. The singer and actress is best known for her time with Platinum-selling girl group 3LW and roles in "Notorious" and "Fame.” From 2005 to 2008, Naughton appeared on Broadway in the Tony-winning musical "Hairspray.” She later starred six seasons in the Starz drama "Power" and a season in "Power Book II: Ghost" as Tasha St. Patrick.

Naughton gave each North Douglas student a copy of the book “Fable of Love” and a t-shirt. To prepare for the celebrity book reading, the students put on their matching shirts, tutus, and tiaras.

During their book talk, Naughton encouraged the aspiring Cinderellas to believe in themselves and never give up. Many students asked Naughton questions about how to achieve their dreams and overcome obstacles. She shared advice on believing in yourself and your dreams, even at an early age.

“I want each of you to know today that your dreams are possible. Anything that you want to do is possible,” Naughton shared. “Any dream, any profession, any place you want to travel, anything you want to do is possible. People may not always treat you nicely, and the world may not always love you back, but at the core of what you do, you must always act in love and love yourself first.”

Principal Pamela Wooley and Antrovise Lemon worked together to help make Naughton’s visit to North Douglas Elementary School possible. Her visit is part of Saving our Daughters. The nonprofit focuses on helping girls discuss issues, deter bullying, and protect their self-esteem.

Assured Comfort recognizes students,

treats staff

Thank you to Assured Comfort Heating, Air, Plumbing for sponsoring a "Student of the Month" for all schools in Douglas County. Each month, schools select an outstanding student to honor. The student receives a certificate and a $20 gift card for Chick-fil-A. Staff members at each participating school will also receive a Chick-fil-A breakfast or lunch.

Congratulations to Yaritizi G.! She was excited to be selected as the Student of the Month for Chapel Hill Elementary in September. Yritizi is pictured with CHES Principal K'Asha Davis.

Also pictured below are staff members at Mason Creek Elementary. The entire staff enjoyed lunch this week courtesy of Assured Comfort.

Food, families and fun at NDES

North Douglas Elementary and its Partner in Education, the Hud Food Truck, worked together to create a fun family event!

The Hud truck provided lunch for K-2 parents, students, and staff. Everyone enjoyed eating outside on a beautiful day.

The Hud will return on a future date for students in grades 3-5!

Why I Love to Teach

In May, all school-level Teachers of the Year were given the opportunity to express what they love about teaching. This video was shown at the Teacher of the Year banquet on September 23.

See what our best teachers have to say about their profession!

Douglas County 2021 Teacher of the Year Finalists:: Why I Teach

WES Chorus: We're All in this Together

Laurie Washington's chorus students have worked hard and had fun learning new songs since school started back on August 4.

Chorus groups have had limited opportunities to perform in person due to COVID concerns, so we will feature some of our amazing elementary schools in the DCSS Digest.

Enjoy this song by the Winston Elementary Chorus!

Factory Shoals Elementary School Principal Tosha Wright says Quen’nie Coles personifies what it means to be a Dolphin! Quen’nie does the right thing even when no one is watching. She is an outstanding student who always shows respect and helps others. Teachers say she values education and tries her best at every opportunity. Principal Wright says Quen’nie’s determination and perseverance at school are admirable. When she is not at school, Quen’nie enjoys watching TV and spending time with her family. Congratulations, Quen’nie!