More than 100 business leaders, educators, community partners, and friends of the Osborne community gathered Tuesday morning for the annual Osborne Partner in Education Summit, a morning centered on connection, appreciation, and a clear call to action. Guests were welcomed by Osborne student volunteers and musicians from the Orchestra before enjoying the “Best Breakfast in Town,” prepared and served by Chef Nesmith and her culinary students.

This year’s summit challenged guests to move beyond simply being connected to the Osborne community and find ways to become even more involved. Representatives from schools throughout the cluster shared that some of their greatest needs do not necessarily come with a price tag. Often, the most meaningful gift is time — volunteering, serving students, supporting school programs, or finding ways to show appreciation to the staff members who pour into students each day. Guests were encouraged to connect with one another, identify opportunities to collaborate, and leave the summit committed to doing just a little more in the year ahead.

That spirit of connection extended beyond Osborne High School as feeder schools joined in recognizing individuals and organizations making an impact across the entire cluster. Fair Oaks Elementary Principal Cathie Seibert captured the theme by reminding guests that honoring partners “invites us to see the whole commUNITY” and recognize the “common Unity we share as schools.” Birney Elementary Principal Craig Dills echoed that message, saying, “It is an honor to connect with the members of the Osborne community who are dedicated to enriching the lives of the students, and staff who serve.”

Birney also recognized Dr. Anna Cox, a former Birney student and Osborne alumna, for finding a creative and meaningful way to support students during Milestones testing last year. Cox provided snacks for every student on each day of testing and coordinated a motivational video from former Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli. For Cox, giving back to the school that helped shape her was especially meaningful. “This community is my hometown and I cannot think of a better investment of my time,” she shared. As an educator herself, Cox believes that “all students deserve a champion and someone who believes in their ability.” Her support helped ensure Birney students were fueled both physically and emotionally and ready to tackle the Milestones.

Osborne High School also honored three outstanding partners whose service represents the spirit of the summit. Among those recognized was the Atlanta Braves Foundation, recipient of the Spirit of Osborne Award. Jessica Padilla of the Atlanta Braves Foundation said the recognition was especially meaningful because of the shared commitment represented throughout the room.

“Receiving the Spirit of Osborne Award is truly an honor and a testament to the power of strong community relationships,” Padilla said. “It was especially meaningful to see educators, business leaders, and community members come together to find ways to give back to the community where so many of their journeys began.”

Padilla added that the Foundation is inspired by the community’s commitment to the success and future of the entire Osborne cluster and looks forward to continuing its work “building community through baseball and softball, expanding equity and access to the sport, and empowering youth to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.”

Throughout the morning, that same message continued to surface: partnership is not defined simply by what someone gives, but by the willingness to show up. Whether that means volunteering an hour, recognizing a deserving staff member, mentoring a student, supporting an event, or connecting one organization with another, every person in the room was challenged to find a way to contribute.

The Partner in Education Summit ultimately served as both a celebration of what the Osborne community has accomplished together and an invitation to build upon it. More than 100 guests arrived as representatives of schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, but they left with a common challenge: connect more, serve more, and find one more way to make a difference for the students, staff, and families of the Osborne community.