The Georgia Department of Education's Teach in the Peach initiative brought the stories of Georgia's public schools to the stage on October 20 with "Georgia's Public Schools: Stories That Shape Us," a signature event celebrating the ways educators, opportunities, and relationships shape students' lives.

"Our public schools are filled with stories of teachers who recognized a student's potential and opportunities that changed the course of a young person's life," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. "Through Teach in the Peach and our partnership with the Alliance Theatre, we are celebrating those stories and the educators who help make them possible."

Hosted by the Alliance Theatre, the evening brought together students, educators, performers, and public-school graduates to share personal stories about the lasting impact of public education. Chris Moses, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre, welcomed guests. The Alliance Theatre served as both host and creative partner, with J Noble, Alliance@Work Manager, coaching participants as they prepared to share their experiences onstage.

"What an honor to host such an uplifting evening, celebrating the countless stories of inspiration found within the public school system in Georgia," Moses said. "It was as powerful a testimony as any story told on our stage."

Casey Bethel, Georgia's 2017 Teacher of the Year, served as emcee, guiding an evening centered on connection, belonging, perseverance, and possibility.

Four student storytellers shared how their public-school experiences helped them discover their potential and find ways to contribute:

• Adrianne Marriott, a junior at Hillgrove High School in the Cobb County School District, shared how the encouragement of her teachers continues to give her strength to persevere and believe her biggest dreams are within reach.
• Daniel Lee, a junior at Peachtree Ridge High School in Gwinnett County Public Schools, described how the isolation of navigating different languages and cultures inspired him to help other students and families feel a sense of belonging.
• Hailey Richardson, a fifth grader at Talley Street Elementary School in City Schools of Decatur, shared how helping a classmate grew into a friendship and a passion for connecting and including others.
• Jack Lenaeus, a Class of 2026 graduate of Carrollton High School in Carrollton City Schools and current Project SEARCH intern, described how supportive educators opened doors for him to participate, pursue his interests, and use his voice to inform and connect his school community.

Their stories illustrate a shared truth: When students are known, supported, and given meaningful opportunities, they discover both what they can achieve and what they can contribute.

Three educators reflected on why they chose their work and what inspired them to stay:

• Dr. Ike Thompson, English department chair and AP Language and American Literature teacher at Veterans High School and a 2019 Georgia Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalist.
• Mikayla Stovall, kindergarten paraprofessional at J.D. Dickerson Primary School and participant in the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program through GaDOE's Office of Rural Education and Innovation.
• Jade Thomas, assistant principal of discipline at David A. Perdue Primary School and Georgia's 2026 Teacher of the Year runner-up.

Bethel and Dr. Hayward Cordy, Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation President, also shared reflections on the educators and experiences that shaped their lives.

Student talent extended throughout the program. A string quartet from Walton High School in the Cobb County School District welcomed guests with a lobby performance. The quartet included Turner Sahadevan (viola), Jack Landrum (violin), Julia Ding (violin), and Brinda Gururaj (cello). Muhamed Jatta of Pebblebrook High School and Amelie Mugg of Cambridge High School performed an original composition by Jatta, accompanied by Amanda Wansa Morgan.

DJ Mackenzie Dailey, a Class of 2026 graduate of South Cobb High School in the Cobb County School District, provided music throughout the evening and shared how public education shaped her path.

Audience members participated through Journey Cards featuring brief student narratives and a prompt asking them to reflect on a teacher who influenced their lives. Those written reflections will inspire a single collaborative artwork created by students in art teacher Kathleen "Katy" King's classes at General Ray Davis Middle School, Rockdale County Public Schools. Teach in the Peach will commission the piece and donate funds to the school's art program in recognition of the students' work.

Attendees described the event as one that motivated them to find the stories in their own communities.

"I left feeling inspired and grateful to have been part of such a meaningful experience," said Laura Adams, Coordinator of Educator Development for Forsyth County Schools. "The thought and heart behind the evening truly showed through the students, leaders, performers, and Superintendent Woods' remarks."

GaDOE plans to make "Stories That Shape Us" an annual Teach in the Peach signature event, continuing to celebrate Georgia's public schools and the people whose work shapes generations of students.