Only a certain number of students were allowed to join the celebration inside the small gymnasium. The little ones were assembled and seated on the floor, socially distanced. They were treated to the antics of Harry the Hawk and the ATL Dancers and were totally energized when it came time for the big announcement. Make that announcements.
As part of its program supporting superhero teachers, Clorox brand and the Atlanta Hawks announced a $1,000,000.00 gift to teachers nationwide through DonorsChoose. The surprise pep rally this week was at Hutchinson Elementary School in Atlanta.
"It's extremely difficult for teachers to get the supplies that they need during normal times", said Clorox Associate Brand Director Cedric McCants. "And during these difficult times", he added, "it's even more challenging." McCants told Audacy Atlanta's Maria Boynton, "the Atlanta area means alot to us at Clorox. Our largest plants are here in the local area and we just love giving back to the community."
NBA Legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins made a special appearance to announce that $100,000.00 was going to the Atlanta Public Schools system along with another $10,000 in cleaning supplies. Helped along by a crutch as he recovers from foot surgery, Wilkins called it all amazing. "You've got to reward great work when people put themselves on the line to make sure that people have an opportunity to succeed in life."
Andrew Saltzman, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, called the Wednesday rally "a kickoff to an amazing initiative", adding that the Hawks are "thrilled to be a part of this."
Earlier this year, the Hawks and State Farm Arena announced a multi-year agreement with Clorox as the official cleaning and disinfecting product partner.
Tommy Usher, Associate Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, was also at the pep rally. Usher said he was excited that teachers were being celebrated for their hard work in keeping children safe. He called the donations "mind-blowing."
"I knew that we were recognizing two of our outstanding educators", said seemingly astonished Hutchinson Elementary School Principal Dr. Shuanta Broadway-McDaniel. The surprise gifts left her "thinking about the possibiliities for our students, our teachers. We can remove barriers in getting them the supplies they need." She added, "I'm just so excited and elated that they came to Hutchinson Elementary School to make this amazing announcement. "