President Chris Hempfling presided over our program. The meeting began with a moment of reflection for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on America. President Chris then introduced Ms. Tiauna Crooms, Principal of Booker T. Washington High School who provided presented BTW’s academic programs, student achievements, and community partnership opportunities, all of which aligned with the Rotary Club's monthly theme of education and literacy.
Principal Crooms stated that BTW HS currently enrolls 793 students. Significant facts and accomplishments at BTW include:
Ms. Crooms pointed out that its population will grow to about 1200 students owing to Atlanta Public Schools downsizing its number of schools so that it can make more efficient use of its properties and concentrate its resources of staff and programs to improve the quality education for all students.
Booker T. Washington High School is preparing to celebrate its 100th graduating class, a milestone that underscores its deep historical importance.
BTW operates as a certified STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school, one of the first in Atlanta Public Schools to receive this designation. The STEM program focuses not merely on certification but on cultivating students' ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. Students engage in Project-Based Learning (PBL) that addresses real-world community issues such as food deserts, infrastructure challenges, and sustainable transportation. The school's STEM advisory board supports students through internships, externships, and participation in national events such as the National Society of Black Engineers conference.
BTW’s CTAE (career, technical and agricultural, education) program offers pathways in culinary arts, agricultural science, healthcare, and computer science, among others. Students progress through three levels of coursework, culminating in an End of Pathway Assessment (EOPA), a nationally recognized industry-certified exam. Successful completion earns students professional credentials they can carry into college or the workforce. The school also partners with the Atlanta Career Academy to offer additional pathways not available on campus.
The Early College Program partners with four post-secondary institutions, allowing students to earn up to 24 transferable college credits by graduation. Students formally enter the early college track in 11th grade, though preparation begins in 9th grade. The program aims to produce well-rounded graduates who qualify for the Hope Scholarship, participate in extracurricular activities, and hold leadership positions.
Principal Tiana Crooms emphasized that while BTW provides robust internal resources — including social work services, the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, and future funds for families — communicating these resources to parents and encouraging their engagement remains a significant need for growth. The school's leadership views parental involvement as a critical component of the village model that supports student success. BTW’s PTA needs to be larger and more active.
The principal drew on her own experience as a product of Atlanta's magnet school system, highlighting how mentorship, access, and exposure transformed her trajectory. She stressed that what BTW students need most from the community is not just financial support, but tangible access to opportunities — internships, professional networks, and doors that open for them when they are ready. The school is actively seeking partnerships that can provide these experiences, particularly for students who are academically prepared but lack the external connections to fully realize their potential. How AWER takes on roles in these areas adds significantly to BTW to building a better future as an institution and adding benefit to students.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Hempfling, C.J. Stewart, Jared Evans, Neil Shorthouse
Keyway AWER Speaker reporters