Student success relies heavily on community support in many ways. Maxwell High School of Technology’s Fire Services Program recently received a $1,000 donation by Tom Gardner, the owner of GHD Corporation in Norcross. Garner, a fire protection engineer and the current president of the Greater Atlanta Fire Protection Engineers Association, is a long-time supporter of Maxwell’s Fire Services Program.

Related story: Construction materials company donates $45k to Gwinnett schools, local charity

Related story: Gwinnett students get first-hand engineering experience

Related story: Gwinnett teacher wins $100k in skilled trades contest

He presented the funds to Gary LaPrad, a fire services teacher at the school, who said he is thankful for the time and attention Gardner gives the program and its students.  “I am very happy to have members of our community actively participating in the fire program. Mr. Gardner serves on the Fire Services Advisory Board and has graciously given his time and resources over the past few years,” LaPrad said.

The Fire Services program addresses the essential components needed for fire and emergency services. Students learn about firefighting, emergency medical responder, and public safety communications in order to explore career options such as interagency communications, medical services and firefighting.

Principal Jeff Hall added his thanks for Gardner’s involvement with the program.

“We are grateful for Mr. Gardner’s support. His generous donation will certainly benefit our students in the classroom and will allow us to purchase equipment and clothing that will help prepare students for the future,” said Hall.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kiley King, an 11th grader who attended Parklane Elementary School in East Point reacts to the Fulton County Board of Education’s vote to close the elementary school on Thursday, Feb 20, 2025. Parents, teachers, students and community members filled the public comment time asking to keep Parklane and Spalding Drive elementary schools open. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Featured

State Rep. Matt Reeves, R-Duluth, introduces himself while attending an AAPI mental health event at Norcross High School on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray