Community
Norcross High School Foundation’s Annual Gala Set for April 21
The 22-year-old nonprofit continues its commitment to student excellence.
The Norcross High School Foundation was started in 2001 by a group of parents who really wanted to make a difference in the community. As one of the longest running foundations in the county, the original goal of the grassroots organization was to make sure children have a good place to be after school. The founders realized that it would take money to make that happen and went about raising funds to enhance the education experience.
Today, the foundation has taken that mission further by working with teachers, coaches, advisors and volunteers. Although it may be confused with a booster organization, it doesn’t focus on a single sport or extracurricular activities. And it’s not in competition with the Parent Teacher Student Association – it actually tries to work in concert with that organization for student success.
“Our mission, our vision, is that every student across high school will be prepared to excel in college, career and life. We ensure the success of students at Norcross High School by building community support and by raising funds to gain excellence in academics, arts and athletics,” said Tiffany Elner, co-president of the foundation.
“Not every student engages in athletics, not every student engages in art, so at a minimum by impacting academics, we are reaching every single student and that really was the goal was to take community resources from parents to bring in sponsorships and the business community,” she added.
With that mission in mind, the Norcross High School Foundation will host its annual gala on April 21 at Atlanta Tech Park.
The foundation wants its resources to impact all of the students, added Erin Griffin, also co-president of the foundation. With approximately 2700 students at the school, every dollar is needed.
The foundation raised $129,862 last school year, and since its inception has raised more than $2.6 million for Norcross High School (NHS). Close to half of that money – about $60,000 – was spent on classroom needs.
Every faculty member at NHS is asked to submit a list of things they need and want the foundation to raise money for.
“In the past, we had them on the wall like bricks, so they’ve just historically been called “wish bricks,” said Elner. “So basically, when someone purchases a brick at the gala, they’re funding this wish list item that whatever faculty member has submitted.”
There are items in every area of academics, arts and athletics. The requests also include counseling, fine arts and visual arts.
“With every single faculty member of the school involved, the giving touches every single classroom, every single activity, every sport that you can imagine,” Elner added.
Foundation funds at work
Last year the funds went to directly support 160 faculty-led endeavors. One example is gains for the After School Matters (ASM) program where students receive extra help in academics. These students now have a newly dedicated lab space in the Gwinnett Online Campus Lab at NHS.
After returning to a 100% in person program, ASM served 86 students. Each one of the 14 seniors enrolled in ASM were on track to graduate in May or June (after attending summer school).
In March 2022, 41% of the ASM students were failing three or more classes, but by May, that number decreased to 27%. In March, 6% of students were passing all classes, which increased to 13% of students passing all classes by finals in May.
Foundation bricks also funded the purchase of graphic design software and hardware tools for NHS graphic design students to create logos and marketing campaigns for hypothetical and real-world assignments.
NHS graphic design students and their teacher met with foundation board members to create new social media logos using the tools purchased by gala bricks for the Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign. The students’ work is featured on the Foundation website and in Foundation social media posts.
Other wish bricks provided entry fees for students to participate in clubs and competitions in academic areas like math, Mock Trial and National Honor Society. Students in the arts program benefited from brick purchases for home improvement materials to build drama sets, sheet music and practice tracks for chorus students, as well as specialized materials for fine arts.
In athletics, bricks provided scholarships for students to participate in cross country and track, swimming and wrestling and provided training equipment for every sport at NHS.
This year, the foundation is looking to update the electronic sign in front of the school.
“The matrix sign in front of the school is very old …and we can’t really get messages out to the community,” said Elner. “You can only get two short lines of text on it. You can’t really convey a lot of information as people are driving by.”
In addition to the Wish Bricks, the gala will have auction items such as a beach vacation and golfing experience. There will be smaller ticket items as well.
NHS Foundation for Excellence Gala
Atlanta Tech Park, 107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
Friday, April 21
Tickets: $125
- Hall of Fall Induction Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.
- Gala Reception: 7-10 p.m.
- Live Auction: 8 p.m.
Hall of Fame
Another highlight of the Norcross High School Foundation gala is recognizing the contributions from individuals at the school and in the community towards student success.
“We are grateful for these people because our high school is a family in itself,” said Tiffany Elner. “Even after their children graduate, we have people who still come to games and give back to the school in so many ways.”
Many would say that you don’t see that type of dedication every day. “Norcross High School is such a special place that I think you do find people like that every day,” said Elner.
Carrie and Jed DeLong
Atlanta natives Jed and Carrie DeLong have lived in Peachtree Corners for 22 years. They consider themselves proud graduates of local public schools and their youngest daughter, Remi, graduated from Norcross High School (NHS) in 2021.
The DeLongs feel strongly about supporting educators and investing in future generations. They began serving at Cornerstone Christian Academy in 2008 and served on the capital campaign committee and the parent teacher fellowship executive board.
They joined the board of NHS Foundation for Excellence in 2017 where Jed served on the investment committee and Carrie served as co-president. The couple have supported many facets of Norcross High life including cheerleading, football, baseball, soccer and are especially proud of the creation of the sensory room for the special education department.
In addition to supporting NHS, Jed has volunteered with the City of Peachtree Corners as a member of the zoning board of appeals and has served as president of their neighborhood HOA.
Carry and Jed DeLong are longtime supporters of NHS and the community. Although all three of their children have graduated, they are still active with the foundation and help every year.
Dr. Phyllis Alexandra Gerard
Dr. Phyllis Gerard was born 60 years ago on the small island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is the youngest of four children and proud of her Afro-Caribbean Latin American heritage. Dr. Gerard made her way to Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.
There she met her lifetime mentor, Dr. Richard L. Hayes, a motivating force and staunch supporter as she pursued her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in community counseling. Dr. Gerard found employment in a counseling position at a school-based medical clinic in Chicago. Richard T. Crane High School, located on the west side of Chicago, taught her critical lessons about serving students with a myriad of needs.
Dr. Gerard pursued a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Hayes served as her major professor and influenced her desire to pursue a career in education. In 1998, while being interviewed by Dr. Francis Davis on the UGA campus, she was offered a position in a high school setting in Gwinnett County.
During the interview at the old Norcross School building on Beaver Ruin Road, high school principal Judy Rogers asked Dr. Gerard to commit to remaining at Norcross for five years. She agreed, and the rest is history.
Dr. Gerard has now served at NHS for 25 years in the counseling department and contends that this group of colleagues are by far the best group she has had worked with. She admits it is often difficult, but the work is incredibly rewarding. She calls her kids her “babies” or her “peoples” and delights in making them smile.
Dr. Gerard’s daily task is to help students make better choices as they weather their own personal storms while identifying future paths that will lead to successful educational and/or career choices.
Elner had high praise for Dr. Gerard and her dedication. “She is just an incredible counselor at our school, but she’s so much more than that,” said Elner. “She has such a heart for our students in her community and she has been so devoted to it. …People who aren’t even enrolled yet, who are just interested, she treats them like they are family because of how she sees them.”
Lee Newman
Lee Newman has served as the director of bands at Norcross High School since 2011. His duties include directing the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Blue Devil Marching Band, brass studies and leadership as well as teaching International Baccalaureate music classes.
During his time at Norcross, Newman has continued a proud tradition of excellence. His ensembles have been invited to perform at the Georgia State Honor Bands of Distinction in 2013, 64th Annual UGA January Music Festival in 2014, the 2015, 2018, and 2020 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert festival, the 2018 and 2020 Yamaha National Concert Festival, and the 2021 and 2022 Georgia Music Educators In- Service Conference.
Newman has served in multiple leadership roles, including NHS Fine Arts Department Chair, Gwinnett County High School Band Co Lead Teacher, District 13 Band Chair and District 13 Chair. He was also named the Norcross High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year.
“He has impacted so many students,” said Elner. “It’s just neat to think that his children have grown up in the community and now he has one of his children as a student. …He does such a good job of engaging every single student in his program.”
Peachtree Corners resident, Alex Everett traveled to Italy this past September — not as a tourist but as an athlete. The 28-year-old accountant and liver transplant survivor, served as goalkeeper on Team USA as they competed in the first-ever Transplant Football World Cup.
The event — part of the larger World Transplant Games — promoted giving the gift of life through a week of connection and sportsmanship, showcasing how people with organ transplants can live a normal, active life.
“I first heard about the US Transplant World Cup team a few years ago through a social media post,” said Alex. “The first Transplant World Cup was originally going to take place in 2022 but was postponed due to the uncertainty around international travel and COVID. Fast forward to 2024 and Team USA had an interest meeting via Zoom to discuss details about the tournament and fielding the American team.”
Team USA
All together, they had 14 people from around the United States (hailing from Georgia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California and Hawaii) join the team, which traveled to Cervia, Italy in September to compete.
“There were 10 other countries that were represented in the World Cup, and we were split into two groups, one of five and one of six,” Alex explained.
“It was an incredible experience representing the US at an international level, competing against other transplant recipients from around the world. We not only were able to share our passion for soccer but also our stories of transplantation and what obstacles we had to overcome to be where we were.”
Coming together to compete
Team USA played well in their matches but placed 9th out of the 11 teams. Because players came from all over the country to join the team, they hadn’t had the opportunity to practice together — or even meet in person — before the tournament started.
“The first time we met face to face and kick a ball as a team was our first game against France,” said Alex. “While that outcome was not what we wanted, we progressively got better as the tournament went on. Eventually ending with a win in a penalty shoot-out against Wales and a normal time win in our final game against Northern Ireland.”
“It was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend anyone who’s involved with transplantation to reach out and get involved with not only Team USA but also with the Transplant Games of America (TGA), which is an Olympic-style competition for people who have received transplants or living donors,” he added.
Most states in the US have their own TGA team, including one here in Georgia.
World Transplant Games 2025
The next World Transplant Games will be held in Dresden, Germany on August 17-24, 2025.
Over six days, athletes and teams from 60 countries will meet to compete in 17 different sports. The US Team is excited to be part of it again and are currently looking for more players interested in taking part.
Leave a lasting legacy
Alex is also involved with the Peachtree Corners-based organization LifeLink® of Georgia, a division of the LifeLink® Foundation.
Established over 40 years ago, the foundation’s mission is to inspire new organ donor registrations and celebrate those who have decided to save lives as a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. The mission is carried out locally through education programs and community awareness campaigns.
Earlier this year, LifeLink of Georgia launched The Infinity Campaign, a state-wide educational effort aimed at motivating and registering new organ donors. The campaign is represented by the infinity symbol, to demonstrate the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation.
About LifeLink of Georgia
LifeLink of Georgia partners with hospitals to support and guide families as they establish their loved one’s legacy through organ and tissue donation.
They carry out the decisions of registered donors or their families and honor the life of each donor by providing organs and tissue for transplant to as many patients as possible.
In 2023, 457 men, women and children gifted a legacy of life through organ donation with LifeLink of Georgia, yet there are still nearly 3,000 patients in the state awaiting an organ transplant and thousands more that could benefit from tissue transplantation.
“When you become an organ donor, your life story continues through the lives you save, ensuring that your legacy lives on indefinitely,” says Katie Payne, executive director, LifeLink of Georgia. “Life is an invaluable treasure, a lesson we learn anew each day from our donor families. Thanks to their generosity, LifeLink of Georgia saves thousands of lives every year, and we are deeply honored to continue this extraordinary mission.”
The Infinity Campaign
The Infinity Campaign features a series of real stories from registered donors, each telling what inspired them to register and emphasizing the effect this decision has on saving lives. By sharing these stories, LifeLink aims to motivate more people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and spread the message of hope and life.
“The decision to become a donor was deeply personal. It is an opportunity to give the ultimate gift — the gift of life,” said Adán Bean. “I get to continue to tell the story for others, be a little bit of ink in their pen and help them write what they want to write.”
As part of the launch, LifeLink has created the website mystorycontinues.com, which spotlights stories from donors and recipients and offers innovative tools, including the opportunity to upload a photo to share your support and spread the word on social media about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Become a donor
Being a donor is an incredible way for individuals to make a difference and have an impact on the lives of others. One organ, eye and tissue donor can potentially save or improve the lives of more than 75 people.
The need for organ and tissue donors is greater now than ever, given the growing numbers of people on transplant wait lists and increasing numbers of people with diabetes and kidney disease.
Currently, there are about 3,000 people in Georgia on the organ transplant list and thousands more on the tissue transplant list.
There are several simple ways to register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor:
- Visit mystorycontinues.com and sign up today.
- Register when renewing or receiving a driver’s license or identification card at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Register when obtaining a hunting or fishing license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
For more about LifeLink of Georgia, visit lifelinkfoundation.org/our-story/#llgeorgia.
New experiences await at this season’s Walk Through Bethlehem
An annual must-see holiday event, Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, will take place over three evenings, December 13–15.
With 1,200 luminaries, Simpsonwood Park is transformed into Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers and witness a live nativity.
Visitors can also enjoy a fire with stories from shepherds, pet live animals and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
Before your journey ends, enjoy a photo opportunity with a Roman Guard and hot chocolate and cookies.
The details
Walk Through Bethlehem transforms several acres of Simpsonwood Park into Bethlehem Village on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers, witness a live nativity and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.
The special holiday event is presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church with the help of more than 300 community volunteers.
What to expect
- 1,200 luminaries welcoming guests to Bethlehem
- Live camels and Roman guards at Bethlehem’s entrance
- Shopkeepers in costume interacting with guests
- Interactive village with more than 12 individual shops
- Animal petting area with donkeys, sheep and more
- Shepherds sharing stories around a fire
- Live nativity with wisemen bringing gifts
- Attendees donating canned goods to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
- Attendees enjoying hot chocolate and cookies
Make plans to attend
Dates and hours
- Friday, December 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Simpsonwood Park, 4511 Jones Bridge Cir NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
FREE admission; accepting canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.
For more information, visit simpsonwoodumc.org/walk-through-bethlehem.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.
The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.
United Way of Greater Atlanta
The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.
“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.
“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.
Assessing needs within the county
The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett.
Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.
Giving back to support the community
“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.
Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.
About Peachtree Corners Business Association
“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.
The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.
For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.
Final Restaurants Announced for New Politan Row Food Hall at The Forum
Fun for All Ages: The Neighborhood Christmas Train 2024 Experience
The High Museum to Showcase “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind”
GAC Shares Joy of Christmas with Annual Can-A-Thon Support
GAC Shares Joy of Christmas with Annual Can-A-Thon Support
Final Restaurants Announced for New Politan Row Food Hall at The Forum
The High Museum to Showcase “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind”
Fun for All Ages: The Neighborhood Christmas Train 2024 Experience
Life in Motion: The Gift of Organ Donation Fuels Active Lives for Recipients
Furkids Wraps Up Successful Year with Open House Event and More
The Dec/Jan Issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine is Out Now
Shaping Peachtree Corners: New Vision for the Central Business District [Podcast]
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
