);
Connect with us

Doing Good

Mercer University Senior from Peachtree Corners Awarded Critical Language Scholarship 

Published

on

Mercer University senior Alexander John Paul Lutz of Peachtree Corners was recently awarded a Critical Language Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to study Azerbaijani in Azerbaijan this summer.

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. Lutz — an international affairs, political science and history triple-major and religion and public diplomacy minor — will study at the Azerbaijan University of Languages in Baku from June 12 to August 9.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to cultivate hard and soft skills — namely foreign language proficiency and communication across lines of difference — that will prove invaluable to me as I seek to engage in peacebuilding work in the South Caucasus (a region along the border of eastern Europe and western Asia) with a nongovernmental organization or the Department of State in the future,” Lutz said.

“I am honored to have been selected for the Critical Language Scholarship and hope to make the most of it,” he added.

Alexander John Paul Lutz
Alexander John Paul Lutz

Lutz’s interest in the Azerbaijani language began during a 2021 Mercer On Mission trip to Georgia, where he helped young Azerbaijani-Georgians in the south of the country practice speaking English. These conversations gave him insight into the complexities of identity in the South Caucasus.

“Motivated by a conviction to build bridges, break barriers and oppose injustice in all its forms, I hope to draw on my background in peacebuilding to advocate on behalf of the Azerbaijani-Georgian community, to work toward bridging the ethnic and religious divides that afflict the South Caucasus, and to prove to people like the Azerbaijani-Georgians that their identities are valid and worthy of celebration,” he said.

Working toward peace

As a future peacebuilder, he said he wants to better understand religious conflicts and challenge the misuse of religion by people who seek to provoke violence and hatred for political gain.

Lutz is a graduate of Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs. At Mercer, he is president of Bears Engaged Across Religions and the Mercer International Affairs Organization, head delegate of Mercer’s Model Arab League team, and an associate justice of the Undergraduate Honor Council.

He is a recipient of the Cox Scholarship for Excellence in Political Science; T. Raleigh Mann Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Campus Leadership and School Spirit; and Rick Love Young Innovators in Peacebuilding Award.

Lutz also has been named the recipient of the Walter C. Dowling Award for Excellence in International Studies, Carlos T. Flick Award for Outstanding Historical Research and Writing, and Phi Alpha Theta Outstanding Senior in History Award.

After graduation, he plans to attend Harvard Divinity School to obtain a Master of Theological Studies with a concentration in religion, ethics and politics. He has been offered a Harvard Divinity School Dean’s Fellowship, which includes a full-tuition scholarship and annual stipend.

Continue Reading

Community

Rooted Interiors Unveils Largest Transformation Project Yet for a Family in Need

Published

on

Grandfather's bedroom before and after // photos courtesy of Rooted Interiors

Rooted Interiors, a new non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through design, has announced the completion of its largest transformation project to date.

With a commitment to providing complete interiors to individuals and families emerging from homelessness, Rooted Interiors continues to make a profound impact on communities, one home at a time.

The latest project marks a significant milestone for Rooted Interiors as it demonstrates the organization’s unwavering dedication to creating havens where families can plant roots and thrive.

Through meticulous planning, collaboration and the support of generous donors and volunteers, Rooted Interiors has successfully transformed a once hopeless space into a warm and welcoming home for a deserving family.

At the heart of this project is a single mother, accompanied by her two children and her father, who found themselves in dire circumstances after the mother fled from an abusive partner, forcing them to seek refuge at the Family Promise shelter in Athens, Ga.

Upon securing a new home, however, their relief was short-lived as they found themselves in a space devoid of warmth and lacking the essentials of a home.

With no furniture besides a dining room table, no washer and dryer and a malfunctioning fridge, their daily struggles persisted for three long months.

But Rooted Interiors didn’t just redesign the family’s space, they filled it with love and hope.

Through this project, the organization transformed the family’s house into a sanctuary, addressing not only their physical needs but also their emotional well-being. From carefully selected furniture to thoughtful décor choices, every detail was curated to create a space that felt like home.

“We are thrilled to unveil our latest project, which represents our continued commitment to serving those in need,” said Kristina McCalla, Founder and Executive Director of Rooted Interiors.

“Our Rooted in Renewal Program not only revitalizes physical spaces but also renews hope and stability for the family who calls this house their home,” she added.

Rooted Interiors offers a lifeline to families in need, empowering them to thrive and succeed in their journey towards independence.

“This journey is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing interiors; it’s about using the language of design to uplift and restore,” said Kristina McCalla, also Lead Interior Designer at Rooted Interiors.

“Rooted in faith and love, each project is a testament to the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a place that reflects their humanity and worth. By providing a thoughtfully designed and fully furnished home, we aim to empower families to thrive and succeed in their journey towards independence,” she explained.

As Rooted Interiors continues its mission to fully furnish homes for those emerging from homelessness, this project serves as a testament to the organization’s impact and the generosity of its supporters.

Through ongoing partnerships and community engagement, the organization remains committed to building brighter futures for individuals and families in need. For more information about Rooted Interiors and how you can support their mission, visit rootedinteriors.org.

Continue Reading

Doing Good

Local Non-profit Boy With a Ball Announces Dates for Upcoming Conference

Published

on

The Love Your City Conference brings together changemakers and champions from local organizations for an opportunity to grow and learn.
via boywithaball.com

Boy With a Ball has announced that its annual Love Your City Conference will take place May 30, 2024, through June 1.

The Love Your City Conference brings together changemakers and champions from local organizations, the marketplace, missional churches and philanthropy. It’s an opportunity to build friendships with today’s leaders sitting beside you.

The conference will have several main sessions featuring historic leaders and insightful, fresh voices, as well as lively workshops, emerging communities of practice, meals as a group and practical equipping tools.

The weekend culminates with the opportunity to go out and experience Love Your City together in a local community.

Joining the conference are many special guests, including:

  • Tyler Prieb, a missiologist, pastor, and entrepreneur based in NYC,
  • Jerry White, Navigators’ International President Emeritus and
  • Andrew Peterson, an author, founder and the conference’s musical guest.

Click here for more conference details.

Continue Reading

Doing Good

PCBA Scores Big with Tailgate-Themed Fundraiser

Published

on

Once again, the Peachtree Corners Business Association pulled off a spectacular fundraising event that not only garnered much-needed support for three local non-profits, but also kicked off football season with a fun and entertaining evening.

“We kicked off the night with three key objectives — I wanted everyone to have a great time, help us raise a lot of money and make sure to sign into the silent auction early and get their bidding strategy set so that people did not have problems logging in at the end when last minute fitting got fierce,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president.

The final numbers are still being calculated since the second chance auction ran through the end of September 29. Still, Proctor said the tally so far guarantees that at least as much will be donated as last year — $4,000 per charity. That number rose as new items continued to be donated for auction even after the event.

The fundraiser did so well, PCBA was able to include an additional donation.

“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $1,000 to be used to positively impact the community and support the Peachtree Corners Festival. This year is especially impactful as the festival celebrates one of their founding members, Ms. Debbie Mason,” Proctor said. “Our Outreach Committee and Board are impressed with their mission and their ability to continue to provide a quality event for our community.”

Volunteers and sponsors make it happen

All positions with PCBA are held by volunteers, and Proctor thanked everyone for the extra effort to make the event a success.

“Our board members — Allison Reinert, Michael Pugh, Toby Anderson, Donna Linden, Suzanna Martinez and Jeff Fairchild worked on this event 365 days a year to ensure the success of this night’s event,” she said. “We’re already working on the 2024 annual charity event and look forward to sharing more details in the near future.”

She also thanked the 13 sponsors that gave money and had representatives who attended the event. 

Highlights of the evening included the 32 different silent auction donors. A Dynatrap ½ Acre Mosquito and Flying insect Trap, donated by Sanford Rose Associates – Lake Lanier Islands, garnered the most bids. 

Other top items bid on included: cryotherapy treatment from Icebox Peachtree Corners, Marlow’s Gift Cards, Henri’s Bakery & Deli gift cards, Peterbrooke Chocolatier gift cards, a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 donated by Thompson O’Brien and four suite tickets with parking pass to an Atlanta United game donated by Flagship Solutions Group.

To find out more about PCBA, contact the association at 678-969-3385 or membership@peachtreecornersba.com or visit their website, peachtreecornersba.com.

Photos by Tracey Rice and Richard Phillips

Continue Reading

Read the Digital Edition

Subscribe

Peachtree Corners Life

Topics and Categories

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Mighty Rockets LLC, powered by WordPress.

Get Weekly Updates!

Get Weekly Updates!

Don't miss out on the latest news, updates, and stories about Peachtree Corners.

Check out our podcasts: Peachtree Corners Life, Capitalist Sage and the Ed Hour

You have Successfully Subscribed!