Hawks Donate $2,500 to Henderson Mill Elementary

Students at Henderson Mill Elementary had a surprise when they arrived for the first day of school this week -- a visit from the Atlanta Hawks organization.

Hawks cheerleaders, assistant coach Tyrone Hill and team mascots Harry the Hawk and SkyHawk were among those greeting students  Monday. While the Hawks led the morning announcements and pledge of allegience, their visit -- in partnership with SCANA Energy -- had another purpose. The Atlanta Hawks Foundation donated $2,500 during a rally to help the school create a community garden.

Students will be able to plant, tend, harvest and sample produce from the garden. The school recently shifted its focus to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (“STEM”) as well as Student Health And Physical Education (“SHAPE”), the Hawks said in an announcement. The Hawks said the garden fits in with their efforts in education, healthy eating, fitness and sustainability.

“Thank you all for making today the most exciting and memorable first day back-to-school ever!" Principal Rebecca Jackson said in a statement. "Our Henderson Mill Elementary students were ‘over the moon’ to see Harry the Hawk, Sky Hawk and Hawks cheerleaders greet them at the door. Thanks, too, for the very generous check for our future school garden. We are so excited about adding this feature to our students' instructional day. It will fit directly with our STEM initiative and we can hardly wait to break ground.” 

The Hawks and SCANA will hold another rally next Monday and donate $2,500 to McClure Middle School in Cobb County for their green initiatives.