Tri-Cities HS holds ribbon cutting ceremony for Dr. Hershel J. Robinson, Jr. Success Academy

If you were a student at Tri-Cities High School in the 1980s and 1990s you know the motto, “there is no right way to do a wrong thing right,” by heart. During a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Dr. Hershel J. Robinson, Jr. Success Academy (HRSA), alumni spanning multiple decades stood together and recited the words as if the late principal was standing there before them. Now, with the dedication of the new In School Academy, a new generation will continue to understand the meaning behind the mantra.

Dr. Ethel Lett, Tri-Cities’ current principal, has worked with her team to develop the HRSA with an emphasis on supporting students. Walking past the fanfare of the event, guests were able to see the classrooms and “calming room”, a dedicated space for students to take a break or study, that make up the new center adorned with inspirational quotes and photos of Dr. Robinson as reminders of his uplifting spirit.

As part of the Fulton County Schools (FCS) new In-school Academy effort, two teachers, a counselor and staff are dedicated to working closely with students who need a different setting and approach to bring their academic efforts on track. Smaller groups focusing on intentional learning provide the young scholars more individualized instruction. The In School Academy model also provides a safe, calming space for students like DeAthony Griggs, who provided a personal testimonial during the ceremony, to remove distractions and place their emphasis on learning.

The In School Academy is one of five across the district funded through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) grants and are part of the FCS “Bridge to Success” program, designed to reduce the learning gap created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Deputy Chief Academic Officer Gyimah Whitaker, the drop-out prevention efforts that are part of these academies “allow students who may be behind to engage in their learning in an accelerated manner that is supportive and reduces barriers to success.”

Attending the naming ceremony of the new in school academy were members of the Tri-Cities High School Alumni Association, former colleagues of Dr. Robinson, the mayors of East Point and South Fulton, community members, and Tri-Cities teachers and staff, along with Dr. Robinson’s family and fraternity brothers.

With the legacy of their former leader and a community behind them, Tri-Cities High School students at HRSA will again be reminded of Dr. Robinson’s famous quote to “do the right thing” and inspire them to success and graduation.