This fall, students entering Woodward Elementary School of DeKalb County may do a double take.

Georgia United Credit Union has selected the Atlanta-based school as the lucky recipient of its School Crashers Makeover program.

The School Crashers program provides local schools the opportunity to apply for a facility makeover. With an eye on bringing communities together to support local schools and their school systems, any public, private or parochial school in Georgia was eligible to submit a 250 word statement why their school should receive a makeover.

While it was difficult to choose just one winner from so many deserving applicants, Woodward's need for a better first impression with a fresh coat of paint and landscaping at the entrance stood out among the hundreds of nominations from schools across the state.

On hand for the announcement were Donna Lowry, education reporter from 11 Alive, along with DeKalb County School District Superintendent Michael Thurmond, Woodward Principal Melanie Pearch, and Georgia United CEO Debbie Smith.

Woodward Elementary School has 1,030 students and 100 faculty/staff members. Plans are underway to complete the school makeover project over a weekend in mid-July, just in time for the start of a new school year in August.

There will be opportunities for community members, educators, parents and students to join Georgia United staffers during the School Crash event. In addition, runner-up schools will receive mini-grants for their own improvement projects later this summer.

This marks the second year the $1 billion credit union based in Duluth, Ga. has sponsored School Crashers.

Instant Insights /

School Makeover Dreams a Reality : Georgia United

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