For students at Slater, the garden is much more than a place to grow vegetables—it’s a living classroom where science, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and culture come together.

Under the leadership of Master Gardener Lorraine Langston, students in Pre-K through fifth grade spend time in the school’s environmental science program planting seeds, tending raised garden beds, caring for compost bins, learning about pollinators, harvesting fresh produce, and even helping prepare recipes using the foods they’ve grown.

“This grant validates the incredible work happening every day in our school garden,” said Laura Peña-Telfer, K-12 STEAM PBL Instructional Coach for şÚąĎłÔÁĎÍř. “Our students don’t just learn about healthy food, they experience it firsthand by planting, growing, harvesting, tasting, and sharing it with their families.”

Recently, Carver STEAM students reached an exciting milestone: producing a that is now streaming on The Roku Channel through a partnership with . Fresh Films is a nonprofit film production company with a mission to empower underestimated youth and young adults through skills training and career development, equipping them to access college and high-wage careers within the expanding creative economy.

For many students, it’s the first time their work has been seen by a national audience—an experience that has reshaped how they see themselves and their potential.

“It was a full-circle moment from concept to distribution,” said Sabur Karim-Kincey, film production instructor at Carver STEAM Academy. “It validated their hard work and showed them that their voices can reach far beyond the classroom.”

A Partnership That Opens Doors

The collaboration between Carver STEAM and Fresh Films was built on a shared goal: giving students access to meaningful, hands-on opportunities in film and media. Fresh Films specializes in connecting young creators to professional-level productions, making it a natural fit for the AVTF program.

Through this partnership, students gain exposure to industry workflows, real clients, and distribution platforms—experiences that go well beyond traditional coursework. They’re building professional portfolios while still in high school, setting the stage for future careers in film, television, and digital media.

“Our partnership with Carver STEAM is about more than filmmaking; it’s about opening doors,” said Marcenae France, Southeast Program Supervisor at Fresh Films. “These students are gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and seeing what’s possible when their stories are given a real platform. That kind of exposure can be truly life-changing.”

Building Skills That Matter

Inside the AVTF program, students develop both technical expertise and creative storytelling skills. They learn how to operate cameras, set up lighting, capture high-quality audio, and edit using industry-standard software. Just as importantly, they learn how to craft compelling stories, from developing concepts and writing scripts to conducting interviews and shaping a final narrative.

Along the way, students are also building critical soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management—skills that are essential in any career.

Storytelling with şÚąĎłÔÁĎÍř

The students’ documentary highlights Learning in Color, an organization making a meaningful difference in the community. Through this project, students learned that storytelling is more than just capturing footage. It’s about responsibility, empathy, and understanding the impact media can have.

By telling stories that matter, students begin to see themselves not just as learners, but as creators with the power to inform, inspire, and influence.

Expanding What’s Possible

Hands-on filmmaking has a transformative effect. When students take an idea from concept to completion—and then see it shared with a national audience—it builds confidence and opens doors.

Many students leave the program seeing new possibilities for their futures. They begin to imagine themselves as directors, producers, editors, and storytellers—roles they may never have considered before.

“At its core, the Carver STEAM AVTF program is more than a class,” said Karim-Kincey. It’s a launchpad. It’s a place where students gain real-world experience, explore career pathways, and develop the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Because at Carver STEAM, students aren’t just preparing for the future. They’re already creating it.

Among the long list of acceptances below, Carver STEAM graduates will attend some of the country’s top institutions, including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Howard University, University of Georgia, Morehouse College, and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).

Most Popular University Destinations for the Class of 2026

Several institutions emerged as top destinations for members of the graduating class:

• Clark Atlanta University welcomed the largest number of Carver STEAM graduates, with 11 students committing to the university.
• Atlanta Technical College / Atlanta Tech also saw strong representation, with 11 students choosing technical and career-focused pathways.
• Georgia State University received commitments from 6 students.
• Albany State University attracted 6 students from the graduating class.
• Georgia Southern University welcomed 3 students.
• Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s top engineering and technology institutions, accepted 2 students.
• Kennesaw State University also received 2 students from the graduating class.

Prestigious and Nationally Recognized Acceptances

Members of the Class of 2026 also earned acceptances to several highly respected and nationally recognized institutions, including:

• Emory University
• Howard University
• University of Georgia
• Tuskegee University
• Morehouse College
• Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
• Virginia State University
• Western Kentucky University
• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Paine College
• Lane College
• Fort Valley State University
• Middle Georgia State University
• Savannah State University
• Union College
• South College

Military, Career, Technical, and Service Pathways

In addition to traditional four-year colleges, students also pursued meaningful career and technical opportunities, including:

• United States Navy commitments totaled 4 students
• Southern Crescent Technical College
• Atlanta Fire Recruit Program
• National Guard
• WRMC career pathway programs

These pathways reflect Carver STEAM Academy’s commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and service.

Legacy of Excellence

The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect years of hard work, perseverance, and support from families, educators, counselors, and the entire Carver STEAM Academy community. Whether attending a top-tier university, serving in the military, or entering a career training program, each graduate represents the Panther legacy with pride.

Congratulations to the Carver STEAM Academy Class of 2026 — your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all you accomplish.

After attending Finch Elementary School and Price Middle School, Ka’mya built lasting memories throughout high school, including one especially meaningful experience during her senior year. “My favorite memory is chaperoning at the annual Jekyll Island trip with my senior friends,” she shared.

Among her many accomplishments, Ka’mya says she is most proud of becoming class president — a role that allowed her to lead and represent her classmates throughout the year.

If she could speak to her freshman-year self, Ka’mya says she would offer this advice: “Don’t let anyone dim your light, and always strive to become better; never be complacent.”

After graduation, Ka’mya will attend Georgia Southern University to study education. Her long-term goal is to become a principal and eventually a superintendent, continuing her passion for leadership and helping others succeed.

When she reflects on her time at Carver STEAM, Ka’mya says she’ll always remember “the community that always pushed me to be a part of something greater than myself.”

Congratulations, Ka’mya! Your Carver STEAM family is proud of you and excited to see you inspire the next generation!

After attending Slater Elementary School and Price Middle School, KaLease made the most of her high school experience by staying focused on her goals while enjoying the everyday moments that made school meaningful. “Whether it was during class, lunch, or even in the hallways, those moments made school feel less stressful and more enjoyable,” she said.

One of KaLease’s proudest accomplishments is maintaining honor roll throughout her time at Carver STEAM. “It took consistency, discipline, and hard work to keep my grades at a high level,” she shared. “Even when things became challenging, I stayed focused and committed to my goals.”

Looking back, KaLease says she would encourage her freshman-year self to become more involved in school activities and opportunities. She believes participating in clubs and events helps students grow, meet new people, and create lasting memories.

Following graduation, KaLease plans to attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering. Before beginning college, she also hopes to spend time traveling and relaxing during the summer.

As she reflects on her journey, KaLease says she’ll always remember “the laughs, the moments, and the people who made them special.”

Congratulations, KaLease! From your early days at Slater and Price to your success at Carver STEAM, your journey through the PBSA family has been marked by hard work, growth, and determination. We can’t wait to see all you accomplish at Georgia Tech and beyond.

Gabriel made an unforgettable impact during his time at Carver STEAM Academy. 

He has achieved remarkable academic milestones, including earning Valedictorian honors, receiving more than $11 million in scholarship offers, and being accepted into more than 145 colleges and universities. However, he says his proudest accomplishment is something much deeper.

“I am most proud of my ability to stand out,” Gabriel shared. “I used to want to be like everybody else, but I learned that being your truest self is what really draws people to you.”

That mindset has shaped not only his academic success, but also his leadership on campus through mentoring classmates, helping peers find direction, and running the school store.

If he could offer advice to his freshman-year self, Gabriel says he would encourage himself to fully commit to his passions and ideas without hesitation.

“Go all in like yesterday,” he said. “I started a lot of things, but pivoted too much. It took until later on in life for me to understand the value of precision, especially in where you invest energy.”

After graduation, Gabriel plans to attend Georgia Tech on a full scholarship, where he will study Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Engineering. His long-term goal is to one day build factories in Africa and create opportunities through innovation and technology.

When reflecting on his journey, Gabriel says he’ll always remember the lessons he has learned and how those experiences shaped his perspective. Among his favorite memories? A field trip to watch the Michael Jackson movie alongside his classmates, a moment he says became a “core memory” shared with friends during the final days of the school year.

Congratulations, Gabriel! From embracing your authentic self to creating memories worthy of the King of Pop himself, your leadership, vision, and determination are already leaving a lasting legacy!

A graduate of Slater Elementary School and Price Middle School, Shamyra says some of her favorite memories were “laughing with my friends in class, joking around before the bell, and those random days that turned into something fun for no reason.” Those moments helped make her high school experience unforgettable.

Throughout her time at Carver STEAM, Shamyra is most proud of the personal growth she achieved along the way. “I pushed myself even when things got hard, stayed focused on my goals, and didn’t give up,” she shared. “I’ve become more independent and confident in what I want for my future.”

If she could give advice to her freshman-year self, Shamyra says she would encourage herself to stress less and take more chances. “Talk to more people, try new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to mess up. Everything works out, so just trust the process and stay consistent.”

After graduation, Shamyra will attend the University of Georgia to study pharmaceutical sciences. She hopes to pursue a career developing medicines and making a meaningful impact through science and healthcare.

When she thinks back on her time at Carver STEAM, Shamyra says she’ll always remember “the friends, the laughs, and the moments that made high school what it was for me.”

Congratulations, Shamyra! From the laughs in the hallways to the determination that helped you grow into a confident young woman, your journey at Carver STEAM has prepared you to do amazing things at UGA and beyond.

One of her favorite memories during high school came through her involvement in band, especially traveling to Mardi Gras for a parade performance. Going to Mardi Gras for a band trip for the parade stands out as one of the experiences she’ll never forget. T’Nyah is especially proud of receiving a scholarship that honors the legacy of students from Price Middle School between 1954 and 1987 — an accomplishment that reflects both her hard
work and commitment to her future.

Looking back, she would remind her freshman-year self to “focus on the future instead of the past,” advice that helped shape her perspective throughout high school. After graduation, T’Nyah plans to attend Kennesaw State University.

Congratulations, T’Nyah! From marching in Mardi Gras parades to marching confidently toward your future at Kennesaw State, your Carver family is cheering you on every step of the way!

This year-long initiative immerses students in the world of aviation, an industry many had never experienced firsthand despite living just miles from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, including converting the Price Middle School media center into an hands-on airport and flight simulation, students explored careers across the airline industry while integrating math, science, ELA, and social studies into real-world application.

The final presentations were more than just pitches—they were a reflection of growth. Students showcased skills in public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all while imagining themselves in future careers they may not have previously considered.

Now in its seventh year, the partnership between şÚąĎłÔÁĎÍř and Virgin Atlantic continues to open doors and expand possibilities. With support from both Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, students gain exposure to industry professionals who help guide, mentor, and inspire them along the way.

The setting of the Delta Flight Museum added an extra layer of excitement and authenticity, reinforcing just how close these opportunities are—and how attainable they can be.

It was, without a doubt, a great day for Price Middle School and a powerful reminder of what happens when education, community, and industry come together to invest in the next generation.

The Literacy Leader shines a light on schools that are making meaningful progress for students and recognizes schools that demonstrate extraordinary student progress and proficiency. Schools are recognized for achievement, growth, or both on annual end-of-grade or end-of-course assessments. The criteria recognize the crucial importance of grade-level reading in third and sixth grades, and require higher growth from schools with lower achievement levels.

Throughout Georgia, earned Literacy Leader recognition for 2024–2025. This achievement highlights the state’s growing progress in literacy education, supported by new evidence-based English Language Arts standards and comprehensive initiatives designed to strengthen reading instruction and outcomes.

Congratulations to Principal Jovan Miles, the outstanding educators, and the Slater students for this incredible achievement.