First Person: Grant Park’s “can-do” spirit celebrated

By Grace Burley

Eight years ago, a small band of Grant Park parents held their first school auction fundraiser in a bingo hall. It took them the whole day before the event just to air the smoke out. This year, the Neighborhood Charter and Atlanta Charter Middle Schools are holding their event called “The Right Brain Ball” downtown at 200 Peachtree, which used to house Macy’s. With draping chandeliers, Endive Fine Catering, live music and hosted by the well-known writer and performer Hollis Gillespie, you realize that Grant Park has grown up.

Throughout the 90’s house flippers, investors and home owners alike all bought inexpensive houses in the Grant and Ormewood Park neighborhoods that needed a lot of work. Some had the money to pay professionals to renovate, while other 20-somethings put in not only sweat equity, but blood and soul equity. They all thought that they were going to make healthy profits…huge windfalls, even. It was always right around the corner.

But that never happened – at least not all at once. Sure, home prices have steadily risen for years, and even in this economy Grant Park has held its own. However, there wasn’t a single year or two when all of Atlanta took notice causing housing prices to double. In the meantime, the community has quietly turned into a neighborhood that its residents wouldn’t leave even if they had the money. Many of them don’t, and why would they?

Surrounded by some of the oldest homes in Atlanta, Grant Park has an award winning charter school a gorgeous park, great restaurants and the zoo. But back in 90’s, the residents often didn’t stay in the neighborhood because they needed a good school. So they built one from scratch with the same sweat, blood and soul equity that people put into their houses. They even made a movie about it. “From Acorn to Oak” chronicles the story of the determined community to start the Neighborhood Charter School to allow Grant and Ormewood Park families to stay in town instead of moving to the suburbs.

The full-length, documentary was produced by a talented group of parents and volunteers with the aptly named production team called “Group Effort Productions.” The group was spearheaded by a charismatic parent who now is also a beloved teacher at the school. “People just needed to know the story,“ said Annette Wawerna. “As the school matures, we felt it was important for the new parents to know the fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking story of what it took to build the Neighborhood Charter School. We wanted to show our children the power of perseverance.” It is an interesting story even if you don’t have any connection to the school.

After fighting for years with the Atlanta Public School Board to get one of the first charters in Georgia, the school burned in its first year. Neighbors from Grant Park and Ormewood Park, many of whom didn’t even have children, had come together with their power tools and renovation know-how to take a dilapidated 1913 building and turn it into a school–only to have it burn down. The movie will make you cry. But, in true Grant Park fashion, the original historic exterior walls were saved and a new building was built inside. Just a few weeks ago, the Neighborhood Charter School was honored by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

What came next? A middle school of course. The same determined families worked together and started the Atlanta Charter Middle School that became so successful that people from other wealthier neighborhoods wanted to send their children there too. To preserve enough spaces for students graduating from the Neighborhood Charter School, the parents yet again had to fight for what they needed to keep their residents in the community. This time, they merged the schools, which next year will be called the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School.

Then, they needed a pool—big enough for the whole neighborhood. The historic pool that had been closed decades ago was renovated and reopened. Again, residents from Grant Park and Ormewood Park came together and formed Friends of Grant Park Pool to raise money to transform the pool, which now has a zero grade entry for toddlers and a 50-meter pool for the serious swimmers. The best part about the pool is that it is open to everyone. Along with being a determined lot, the Grant Park neighborhood prides itself on being inclusive.

Every morning the day starts at the Neighborhood Charter School with a “morning meeting” for all the students, teachers and any parent who wants to join. You will look around the room and see moms and dads in suits as well as many tattoos. But, they have one thing in common: they are all happy to be there.

So, where is the party? It is on March 5 at the Atrium at 200 Peachtree. The neighbors want anyone and everyone to join them in the celebration of the successful school…and of course, help them raise money. You can bid on hundreds of silent auction in all price ranges including vacation homes, professional artwork, restaurant gift certificates and many other items. You won’t even be required to bring your hammer, because that part of the work is all done. They just want you to come and join the party.

For details on the Right Brain Ball, visit the website at www.ancsauction.org or on facebook.com/rightbrainball. For information on the movie “From Acorn to Oak”, visit www.fromacorntooak.com.