Rising above expectations : JA Academy

Apollo’s motivation to join JA Academy was fueled by the influence of his grandfather – a successful businessman who created a sustainable platform for himself and his family members to thrive.

But when Apollo shared his interest of attending Banneker High School, the reactions he got were far from motivating or encouraging.

Apollo’s willingness to try something new and different exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed. After taking that risk, he found that the hesitations his friends and family had about Banneker, and the JA Academy in particular, were overpowered by the culture of success that he became a part of.

Hear Apollo and his classmates’ stories below.

Who's who in the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame?

You'd be surprised! Now in it's 29th year, the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame has honored leaders from virtually all sectors. Check out the full spread of our laureates below to find out who makes up this influential and diverse bunch.

Frank Blake and Dan. T Cathy to join JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia and Atlanta Business Chronicle (ABC) are pleased to announce Frank Blake, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Home Depot, and Dan T. Cathy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chick-fil-A Inc., will be inducted into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 24, 2018. They will join the list of 91 influential Atlantans recognized for their significant contributions to Atlanta’s civic and economic vibrancy.

Since 1989, the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, a black-tie gala to benefit JA of Georgia, has been held to honor dynamic business and civic leaders who have shaped Atlanta into the robust city it is today.

Frank Blake’s tenure at The Home Depot began in 2002, and shortly thereafter he found himself, like many other leaders, guiding a large company through the worst recession in decades. He dedicated hours and capital back to the basics of any business: his employees and the products they sold. These ended up being the investments that helped bring The Home Depot out of the recession at an even better position than before it. Prior to being Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Home Depot during those tumultuous years, Blake served extensively in the public sector. Blake obtained his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, and his jurisprudence degree from Columbia University School of Law, then spent time as the general counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the deputy counsel to Vice President George Bush, and law clerk to Justice Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, Blake is involved with many companies and organizations, including the Georgia Aquarium, Proctor & Gamble, Macy’s, Grady Hospital and Agnes Scott College.

As CEO of one of the nation's largest family owned businesses, Dan Cathy represents the next generation of leadership for Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based fast-food chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy. Dan has been defining his role in “customer service” for more than 40 years – even before officially joining Chick-fil-A in 1970. Eager to incorporate his own skills and talents into the business, Dan has taken an unconventional, yet personally and professionally rewarding approach to leadership. Under his leadership, Chick-fil-A has experienced tremendous growth — not just in numbers of restaurants and sales, but also geographically with explorations into international expansion. At home, Cathy is first and foremost a family man. He and his wife Rhonda enjoy time with their two adult sons and three grandchildren. As a musician, pilot, avid runner, road cyclist and motorcyclist, Dan is always looking for the next opportunity to share a “REMARK”able experience with friends, family, and customers.

The JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner and Laureate Induction Ceremony. This year’s gala will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. Proceeds from the event will benefit JA of Georgia and their efforts to empower the next generation with the knowledge, capacity and motivation to thrive; to build a better future for themselves and their community.