On April 3, 2014, Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell declared it “Box Tops for Education Day”. The day was marked by a grand event – the Fourth Annual General Mills Box Tops for Education Town Hall Meeting. Inspired by General Mills’ commitment to improving school success, the Town Hall meeting promotes innovative ways to improve education for 21st century students. Held in the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium, it was a star-studded event, including Roland Martin as host, songstress Monica as a panelist, and AMPlify as the musical guest!

Roland Martin poses with Aisha Bowden and the AMPlify Concert Choir after their performance at the 2014 General Mills Box Tops for Education Town Hall Meeting.

The AMPlify Concert Choir performed two songs, just one night after their Woodruff Arts Center debut. The children were thrilled to perform amongst such a distinguished panel! We were chosen because the Atlanta Music Project is a shining example of what the Box Tops for Education program supports – education through innovative means. Additionally, AMPlify is housed at Ivy Preparatory Academy Kirkwood, a proud Box Tops for Education school.

An AMPlify vocalist smiles as he rehearses backstage at the Georgia Aquarium.

During the Town Hall Meeting, panelists discussed various measures that boost academic success, particularly during a child’s early years. We were delighted to learn that Roland Martin and all of his siblings played wind instruments growing up!

Roland Martin hosted the power panel. (From left to right: Clark Atlanta University President, Dr. Carlton E. Brown; 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year Jemelleh Coes; Former CNN anchor and TV personality, T. J. Holmes; Erica Jensen of General Mills; Ronald Skeete of the Georgia Children’s Aid Society and Grammy-Award winning artist, Monica.)

The General Mills Box Tops for Education Town Hall Meeting is just another example of how the Atlanta Music Project provides its young artists with experiences that broaden their understanding of the world around them. Stay tuned for more great stories from the field!

The AMPlify Concert Choir performs at the 2014 General Mills Box Tops for Education Town Hall Meeting.