February 24, 2026 — From classroom lessons to schoolwide events, Black History Month came to life in schools across Cobb this year.
While Black History Month means something different to everyone, three leaders in Cobb Schools exemplify what it means to set a good example for their students.
Three veteran Cobb educators — Dr. Liss Maynard, Dr. TJ Perry, and Dr. Alvin Thomas — reflected on their careers of service, what Black History Month means to them, and the purpose that drives their work.
Dr. Alvin Thomas, Tapp Middle School Principal
As a University of West Georgia graduate, Dr. Thomas began his career in education at Cooper Middle School as a health teacher. He would go on to be an assistant principal at McEachern High School before joining Tapp Middle School, where he has served as principal for the past seven years.
From a small town in South Georgia, neither of Thomas' parents went to college, but they made sure to stress the importance of education. Thomas would go on to pursue a career in sports management. He found that path unfulfilling and decided to pursue education after seeing one of his cousins pursue the same career.
"Education changed my life. Once I invested in myself, I engaged in learning. I made learning a priority, and that's when my life changed for the better," shared the Tapp principal.
Thomas keeps a Superman cape right next to his desk as a reminder of the student he once was, and the students he knows he is tasked with helping now. He knows that not every student is excited about learning, or comes from an environment where homework, studying, and academic success are the norm, so he takes pride in being intentional with his conversations with students to help them succeed.
At Tapp, Thomas leads by example and sees the strides his school and students are making in the classroom as part of black history.
"I am a part of black history. I see myself because even as a school, as Tapp Middle School, if you look at what some of the things that we are accomplishing here at the school, from an academic standpoint, we are creating history," said Dr. Thomas.
Dr. Liss Maynard, Assistant Superintendent
Now in her 33rd year in education, Dr. Liss Maynard's passion is student success and helping save lives.
At 23, she began her career at Central Alternative School. She later served at Lindley, Harmony Leland Elementary School, Russell Elementary, and Mableton Elementary before becoming principal at Clarkdale Elementary, where her joyful energy and uplifting spirit left a lasting impact.
In her most recent role as Cobb Schools assistant superintendent, Dr. Maynard is able to positively impact more students, teachers, and staff beyond a single school
During her recent visits to schools, she's had the opportunity to see how students and schools are celebrating Black History Month in their own unique ways.
While students learn, Dr. Maynard hopes they see her as an example of what is possible with hard work and dedication in the classroom.
"It encourages me that kids will be able to see and dream big. Dream big. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to do. And so that's what's so great about celebrating anyone, not just Black History Month, but just celebrating believing in yourself, knowing that you can, and you will," shared the veteran Cobb educator.
TJ Perry, South Cobb High School Principal
Growing up in Cobb County and graduating from Sprayberry High School, TJ Perry knows what it means to be a part of Cobb Schools.
In Cobb, Perry has worked as a paraprofessional, a middle school teacher, a high school administrator, and now serves as the high school principal at South Cobb.
Even with all that experience, his plan was never to go into education.
After college Perry was a personal trainer and played professional football for a few years. He also became a tutor in his spare time and, over the years, found that to be a more rewarding and interesting profession, which is what got him involved in education.
Following in the footsteps of Ashley Hosey, Principal Perry is the second African American principal at South Cobb High School.
"I just love my students to be able to see someone that looks like them, and they're like, you know, I can do that. And so that's another reason, as part of my 'why' is to be able to be an example for other students as well," said Perry.
Principal Perry said that teaching Black History is a must at not only South Cobb, but every school, to allow students to learn more about great leaders and historical events that happened close to home and here in Cobb.
