Clayton County celebrates second place track team and courageous student Kailas Pano

Celebration and Recognition Highlight Clayton County Board of Education Meeting

The Clayton County Board of Education meeting on June 2, 2025, was marked by a spirit of celebration as the board recognized outstanding achievements in athletics and heroism among students.

The spotlight shone brightly on the Elite Scholars track and field team, which recently secured a commendable second place in the state competition. This achievement is particularly notable as it represents the highest team finish in recent years. Board members and attendees applauded the team, which includes athletes such as Aliyah Robertson, Adewa Acehren, and Maya Valdez, among others. Athletic Director Tiffany Pippins and coaches Lakisha Smith and Catherine Lawrence were also acknowledged for their contributions to the team's success.

In a heartfelt moment, the board honored Kailas Pano, a student from Huey Elementary School, for his remarkable bravery during a serious bus accident on May 14, 2025. Pano's quick thinking and calm demeanor in a crisis—calling 911 and ensuring the safety of his bus driver—earned him the Department of Transportation's Heroic Action Award. His actions exemplified courage and maturity, drawing admiration from board members and the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support and recognition of student achievements, reinforcing the board's commitment to celebrating excellence within the Clayton County school system.