Heritage Academy Crowned Top Reader in APS Race2Read Challenge, Celebrated by Atlanta Hawks

Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks brought their signature energy to Heritage Academy, hosting a vibrant pep rally to recognize the school as the top-performing elementary in Atlanta Public Schools’ (APS) March Race2Read Challenge. Held in celebration of National Reading Month, the event honored students’ commitment to literacy with a fun-filled celebration and a meaningful investment in their academic future.

The rally spotlighted the top three classrooms and individual readers at Heritage Academy, and awarded the school a stipend to enhance its media center and expand literacy resources. Students were treated to a high-energy celebration, complete with appearances by Harry the Hawk, the ATL Dancers, and the acrobatic Flight Crew, all part of the Hawks Entertainment family.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievement of Heritage Academy and all of the students who participated in the Race2Read Challenge,” said Jon Babul, Vice President of Community Impact and Basketball Programs for the Hawks. “Literacy is a cornerstone of success, and we are committed to supporting programs that inspire and empower young learners to develop a lifelong love for reading, build self-confidence, and unlock their full potential.”

The APS Race2Read Challenge is a district-wide campaign designed to close the literacy gap by encouraging reading through fun, competitive events. March’s Minutes Madness was a highlight of the initiative, with schools competing to log the most reading minutes. With a staggering 100% student participation and over 244,000 minutes read, Heritage Academy raced to the top, claiming first place for the month.

“The Race2Read Challenge at Heritage Academy was an exhilarating journey that ignited a passion for reading across our entire school community,” said Principal Trennis Harvey. “We also extend our congratulations to all the schools and students in Atlanta Public Schools who participated—this challenge was a testament to the power of literacy and the joy of reading.”

Dobbs Elementary and Miles Elementary finished second and third respectively, and were also recognized by the Hawks with donations for their media centers. These contributions aim to continue building access to literacy tools for students across the city.

The pep rally is just one of several initiatives the Hawks have championed during National Reading Month. In March, the team partnered with Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Vision To Learn to host a graduation-style celebration at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School. Nearly 90 students were presented with prescription eyeglasses and a book of their choice, helping them build personal libraries and promoting reading confidence.

In another impactful event, the Hawks and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, partnered with APS for a Reading Day. Thirty volunteers from the Hawks family read to over 650 students across 40 classrooms at Parkside and West Clayton Elementary Schools, encouraging daily reading habits and reinforcing the importance of literacy.

To learn more about the Hawks’ ongoing community initiatives, visit Hawks.com/Community.