A Day With Hank: Rep. Hank Johnson honors high school leaders + artists in Georgia’s Fourth District

STONECREST, GA – On Saturday, April 27, Congressman Hank Johnson honored the achievements and talents of high school students in Georgia’s Fourth District during time set aside by his office called “A Day with Hank.”

The day’s events showcased young leaders and artists by recognizing them at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta for the Georgia Service Academy Day in the morning, and later, at Congressman Johnson’s district office, where the the winners of his 2024 Congressional Art Competition were announced.

At Academy Day, the Congressman told the students:  “Each of you is a leader in your own way, and your peers notice it and look up to you. We are all proud of your accomplishments thus far and are confident that much more success is in store. I wish you the best of luck and thank you for your service.”

The Congressman attended Academy Day along with U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and Congressman Rich McCormick. The annual event connects prospective high school students and their parents with the U.S. military academies – West Point, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Later on Saturday at his district office, Johnson recognized students who participated in his 2024 Congressional Art Competition, which is his 18th since taking office in 2007.

Johnson was joined by Rockdale County chairman Oz Nesbitt, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, and Newton County chairman’s representative Nwaka Hughes.

Each year, this national competition calls on high school students of all backgrounds and skillsets to submit their art for the chance to showcase their winning pieces in their congressional district as well as in the U.S. Capitol.

“Every year, I’m impressed with all of our students’ creativity and artwork,” Congressman Johnson said. “It’s one of my favorite district events of the year. And this year was no exception. I want to thank every student, their parents, art teachers and judges for participating this year.”

More than 50 pieces of art were submitted by students in seven schools, including DeKalb School of the Arts, Rockdale County High School, Heritage High School, Southwest DeKalb High School, Hills Academy High School, Salem High School, and DeKalb Early College Academy.

Students from Heritage High School in Conyers nearly swept this year’s awards.

This year’s grand prize winner was senior Crystal Rose of Heritage High School in Rockdale County for her piece “Trailing Thoughts.” Her artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol along with winners in other congressional districts throughout the nation for a year.

Other top honors went to:

Heritage High sophomore Alani Pullen for her piece called “Confrontation.” Her work will be displayed at the Rockdale County executive offices.

Heritage junior Kelise Yoakum for her artwork called “Jane Elliot: Reflections of Change.” Her piece will hang in Newton County executive offices.

DeKalb Early Learning Academy freshman Kalid Andu for his artwork called “The Broken Globe.” His piece will hang in DeKalb County executive offices.

The student’s artwork was assessed by a panel of local judges: Kristen Kinder, Elmer Kinder, Marietta Murton and Victoria Jenkinson.

Every student who participated in the “A Day with Hank” celebration received a special congressional certificate of recognition signed by the Congressman, which also included the Towers High School Color Guard and the Towers High School Drumline, both of whom performed at the event. 

A Day With Hank photos

Art Competition

Winners (from left): Judge Marietta Murton, representative from Newton chairman’s office Nwaka Hughes; Heritage junior Kelise Yoakum; Congressman Hank Johnson, Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt; grand prize winner senior Crystal Rose of Rockdale County’s Heritage High School, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, Heritage High sophomore Alani Pullen and Judge Victoria Jenkinson.

 Grand prize winner Heritage High School’s Crystal Rose,  is flanked by Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, showing Rose’s winning piece “Trailing Thoughts.”

Heritage junior Kelise Yoakum tells the Congressman and attendees what her work “Jane Elliot: Reflections of Change” means.

Heritage High sophomore Alani Pullen tells the Congressman and art competition attendees how her piece “Confrontation” was created.

Georgia Academy Day

Tarmac: From left: U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, Congressmen Hank Johnson (GA-04), Rich McCormick (GA-06) and State School Superintendent Richard Woods speak about the benefits of young Georgians attending one of the U.S. Military Academies at the Georgia Academy Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Address: Congressman Johnson speaks to the crowd during Georgia Academy Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Chat: Congressman Johnson speaks to a Georgia student and his mother during Georgia Academy Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base.