Atlanta’s 12th Man

The Atlanta Education Foundation has a Homecoming raffle every year called “Homecoming’s Honorary 12th Man.”

The AEF likes to be involved in the district outside of raising money to be involved with the kids anytime they can be. Three years ago they came up with the idea of having a kid K-5 be the Honorary 12th man to hang with the football team and all the festivities for homecoming.

The AEfF passes out raffle tickets and draws a name the Wednesday before homecoming and coordinates with principals, coaches, and parents once the name is drawn.

They check them out of school Friday after lunch and escort them to the field house where they meet the football team and Coach McClure takes them under his wing to ride on the fire truck through the parade and then to the pep rally where they are recognized.

From there, the AEF reserves a table at the hamburger supper and meet Coach McClure on the field to experience pre-game warmups from midfield, meet the players, and have the option to sit down on the track for the game through halftime.

This year’s Honorary 12th Man was third grader Annison Hale. She’s been the first girl to be drawn for this and to say she was excited was a major understatement.

With Jawan King being the previous Homecoming King and not being able to attend to crown this year’s King due to playing on Rice football team, Annison got to crown the Homecoming King JaQuavious Allen.

Experiences like this is what creates wonderful memories and school pride.

“As her mom and Executive Director for AEF and a husband that serves on the school board, we couldn’t be more proud to be Atlanta Rabbits,” Chastity Hale said. “A HUGE ‘Thank you’ to Coach McClure for allowing us to make this possible and making a lifelong memory for the lucky kid each year.”

AEF is now raffling of a Honda 700 4x4 Side by Side. The Atlanta Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that raises money for Atlanta ISD for a teacher grant program and various other programs they have.

“This year’s raffle is by far the largest that we have ever had due to the continued support from the community, AISD staff, and local businesses. The tickets will be $50 a piece and the drawing will be held at Blue Jeans and Bling on February 1, 2020. You do not have to be present to win,” Hale said. “A big ‘Thank you’ to Randy Woodruff at H&W Powersports on New Boston Rd in Texarkana for helping us with this. He has been very accommodating and supportive of our efforts in making this happen.”

Contact Chastity Hale at chale@atlisd.net for ticket purchases or visit our website atlantarabbits.org or our FB Page @AtlantaEducationFoundation.