What is CSLA?
Cobb Student Leadership Academy (CSLA) develops leadership skills within students and encourages them to positively impact their community. This academy provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to facilitate the growth of innovative student ideas, moving them from idea to practice.
The purpose of the academy is three-fold; to build leadership skill (soft skill), give students an opportunity to make effective change in the school and community, and to empower students to empower others by creating a leadership mentor program with feeder schools.
2019 Cobb Tank Winners!!!
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Cobb Tank is a unique opportunity for local school faculty & staff to apply for funding in order to implement innovative instructional practices in their classroom!!
During the Cobb Tank application process, Patrick Erwin (Hillgrove High School) and Semeka Samuels (Campbell High School) joined forces to develop Cobb Student Leadership Academy. This new program will impact students at every middle and high school in Cobb County. |
Meet the Directors
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Patrick Erwin assumed the Director of Bands position at Hillgrove High School in July of 2013. He served as the Assistant Director of Bands from the school’s opening in 2006. Under his direction, the Hillgrove Bands have thrived in one of America’s finest districts for music education, Cobb County, GA. In 2015, the Hillgrove Wind Symphony was named a “National Winner” in the National Wind Band Honors competition for their recording of the Symphony for Band by Vincent Persichetti. The Wind Symphony has also performed at GMEA State Convention, The UGA JanFest, and Music For All Regional Concert Festivals.
In 2009, Mr. Erwin completed his Specialist Degree in Music Education at Auburn University. Mr. Erwin also holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Music. In 2014, Mr Erwin served on the staff of the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps as co-brass caption head with David Clemmer. From 2002-2008, Mr. Erwin was a member of the Visual Staff for the World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, from Rosemont, IL. Prior to becoming a staff member, he marched trumpet and soprano bugle in the Cavaliers (2000-2001). Mr. Erwin also marched in the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (96-99) In 2015, Mr Erwin was nominated for and awarded the George N Parks Leadership in Music Education Award. This award is given to a music educator who embodies the principals of, Collaborative spirit, Dedication to knowing students as individuals, Perseverance and enthusiasm, and the Ability to instill qualities in students beyond achievement in music. In 2014, Mr Erwin was named a “Hero In the Classroom” by the Atlanta Falcons, Suntrust Bank and the Symetra Corporation. Mr. Erwin’s professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, GMEA, NBA, and NAfME. Mr. Erwin currently resides in Dallas, GA with his wife, Aaren, a Spanish teacher at Hillgrove High School, two sons, William and Andrew. |
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Semeka Samuels is currently serving as a US History teacher at Campbell High School. Ms. Samuels’ professional journey started on the campus of University of West Georgia where she learned how to develop valuable skills as a leader and active member of the community. After graduation from UWG, Semeka joined the United States Army and then became a Appliance technician. As a parent of two Cobb county students, she continues to serve the community of Powder Springs.
Ms. Samuels received Bachelor of Science in Sociology from University of West. She also received Bachelors, Masters and Specialist degrees from Kennesaw State University in Education. In her spare time, Ms. Samuels enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, learning, inspiring others in whatever way she can, and spending time with family and friends. Listed below are some of awards Ms. Samuels has received.
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