Amidst the sea of black and red, you are sure to sense the strong Panther Pride as D.M. Therrell High graduates 149 students tonight. Bursting with academic, athletic, arts and community service accomplishments, our Therrell graduates are ready to blaze bright new paths in colleges and careers around the country.
Each student has a story and each has an amazing journey ahead. We are proud to highlight just a few of the outstanding students of Therrell.
Academic Leaders
Valedictorian Kia Surrell was inspired by Booker T. Washington’s quote, “I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles he has to overcome.” Kia has gained success by immersing herself in her studies and sports. While at Therrell, she was active in the National Beta Club, Student Government Association (Executive President), a Georgia Merit Scholar, Varsity Soccer (Captain), Varsity Soccer MVP, Varsity Volleyball (Captain), and the Georgia Technology Fair, where she scored as first-place winner. She has also earned a position on the Principal’s Honor Roll and recognition as the Most Outstanding AP Biology Student and Most Outstanding AP Statistics Student. Kia’s renewed motivation to get an education has fueled her plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to major in biology and become a dentist.
Salutatorian Deja D. Williams has relied on her perseverance to succeed to reach her dream of being at the top of her class. Deja is a dual-enrolled student at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, the Principal’s Honor Roll, Student Government Association (Executive Treasurer), a Georgia Merit Scholar, Marching Band (Section Leader) and former Varsity Soccer Captain. Inspired by the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Deja accomplished what to many may seem as impossible, but to others possible. She aspires to use the knowledge acquired in high school to pursue a career in architecture and make a positive impact on her community. Deja will attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall to major in architecture. She plans to become an architectural engineer.
Excelling in the Arts
Therrell is well on its way to becoming an arts destination school. We are proud of the legacy being left by award-winning filmmaker Devin Pittman. Devin’s film premiered at the Fulton County Black History Film Festival and won the Marvin Arrington Black History Unsung Hero Video Contest.
Athletic All-Stars
In addition to stellar academic performance, Therrell had notable athletic accomplishments. Basketball All-Stars Toiryn Hunter, Justin James, Anthony Williams and Ricky Wolfe led the Panthers during a competitive season. Other All-Stars included Ricky Wolfe in football and Jakari Kearney, Alphonso Carey, Zedric Jewell and Reginal Butler in baseball.
Serving the Community
In community service, Antwain Williams accumulated 600 hours of community service over three summers at Lake Allatoona. And Helena Devone, Lameria Primrose and Jacob Skinner created the “Buttoned Up Gold” project through Usher’s New Look Foundation to purchase new suits for young high school men going to prom.
2016 was a banner year for Therrell High School and this year’s graduating class. Congratulations to all of our Therrell scholars!
Talk Up APS 
Leave a Reply