Hawks Invest in Vision for Atlanta Students

Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks continued to show that their impact stretches far beyond the court.

In partnership with Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Vision To Learn, the Hawks hosted a special celebration at Evoline C. West Elementary School—an event centered on something simple, yet life-changing: the ability to see clearly.

More than 100 students were recognized during the event, each receiving a new pair of prescription eyeglasses, along with a book of their choice and a bookmark in honor of National Reading Month. For many of these students, it marked the first time they’ve had access to proper vision care.

But the biggest moment of the day went far beyond the giveaways.

The Atlanta Hawks Foundation announced a $1.2 million commitment to Vision To Learn over the next two years—a monumental investment that will ensure every Title I student from kindergarten through fifth grade across metro Atlanta receives vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses.

It’s a move that directly addresses one of the most overlooked barriers in education.

“We are very grateful for the Hawks and their continued commitment to Vision To Learn,” said Ann Hollister, President of Vision To Learn. “For nine years, the Atlanta Hawks have been a vital partner in our mission to ensure that every child in Atlanta has the vision care they need to succeed. Whether they’re in the classroom or on the basketball court, kids who can see clearly have the best chance to reach their full potential and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

The event brought out key figures from the organization, including Jami Gertz, Steve Koonin, and Nick Ressler, who also serves as Chairman of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. Hawks alum Josh Powell was also in attendance, joining in on a day that blended celebration with purpose.

For Ressler, the message was clear.

“The Atlanta Hawks Foundation is incredibly proud to partner and make a significant investment to every kid over the next two years to scale our partnership with Vision To Learn across Metro Atlanta,” he said. “As a community asset, we feel that ensuring every student in our city’s Title I elementary schools has the tools they need to see the board, read with confidence and succeed in the classroom.”

The event itself carried a celebratory feel. Students participated in a graduation-style ceremony, walking across the stage to receive their glasses—an experience designed to make the moment feel just as special as it truly is. And with books handed out immediately after, students had the chance to test their new vision in real time, flipping through pages and diving into stories with a clarity many hadn’t experienced before.

That connection between vision and literacy is exactly what this initiative is all about.

“Clear vision is a fundamental tool for learning, yet it’s an essential resource that too many students in our community are forced to go without,” said Dave Preter, President and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “At Georgia’s Own, we are honored to partner with the Hawks to scale the vital work of Vision To Learn and ensure that every child has the clarity they need to succeed in the classroom and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”

Beyond the ceremony, the atmosphere stayed lively. Students and staff had the chance to take photos with Hawks Entertainment, including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers, while DJ Stevo kept the energy high throughout the event.

For the school itself, the impact is already being felt.

“Partnering with Vision To Learn and the Atlanta Hawks is making a meaningful difference for our students at E.C. West,” said Jill Meeker, Principal of Evoline C. West Elementary School. “By providing eye exams and glasses on site, they are helping remove a barrier that can affect learning every day. When students can see clearly, they read more, participate more, and grow in confidence. We are grateful for this partnership and the commitment to helping our Wildcats succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

This initiative builds on momentum already in place. Back in November 2025, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and Vision To Learn launched the Atlanta Vision Project, a three-year effort expected to reach approximately 270 underserved elementary schools across the five-county metro Atlanta region.

The need is real. Every day, students walk into classrooms unable to fully see the board, read their assignments, or engage the way they should—not because they lack ability, but because they lack access.

Vision To Learn is working to change that by bringing services directly to schools through mobile clinic vans. Students receive exams on-site, get fitted for glasses, and even choose their own frames with the help of trained opticians—removing both financial and logistical barriers in the process.

Since 2017, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s partnership with Vision To Learn has already made a measurable difference—providing more than 48,000 eyeglasses and over 59,000 free eye exams to students across metro Atlanta.

And now, with this new $1.2 million commitment, that impact is only set to grow.

Because for these students, seeing clearly isn’t just about vision—it’s about opportunity.