Atlanta Public Schools Holds Renaming Ceremonies For Midtown High School And Stadium
ATLANTA, Ga. (CW69 News at 10) - Atlanta Public School officials celebrated the renaming of Midtown High School, formerly known as the historic Grady High School, on October 27, 2021. It's now among a list of APS schools that have removed the names of Confederate or White supremacist leaders.
The Midtown High School Choir, Band and Orchestra all performed during ceremony, as officials also saluted the completion of roughly $35 million in renovations. "We're very thankful the school project is complete and our school has settled in," said Betsy Bockman, the principal. The school was previously named after Henry Woodfin Grady, an orator and journalist who supported White supremacy. "It did not represent our collective values. It did not align with the heart of the campus, but for obvious reasons, the old name is now retired," said Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring.
Grady High Alum and City Councilman Matt Westmoreland paid tribute to the students who will carry out a new legacy. "As you move through this school during the rest of your tenure, just know that there's no other place like it," he said. Twelfth graders Ava Smith and Kelly Tran recited a poem together. "Through generations of dedicated work and unrelenting passion, we have made a name for ourselves," said Smith. "Through our voices, we're the catalyst of change," Tran said.
Following the event, officials held a separate ceremony celebrating the renaming of Grady Stadium as the Eddie S. Henderson Stadium.
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