Schools raise nearly $200k for students to see 'Hamilton'

Atlanta Public Schools raised $195,000 to buy 1,700 tickets for high school students to see the popular musical “Hamilton” when it comes to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.

Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, the Kendeda Fund, Georgia Natural Gas, United Consulting and other sponsors contributed money to send select “underserved” high school students to see the show about American founding father Alexander Hamilton.

The students, who have already been chosen by schools, have been asked to contribute $10 for their ticket. They will attend performances May 22 and May 23.

“‘Hamilton’ possesses the ability to captivate students and get them thinking critically about the world while inspiring them to take action. The performance has so many positive implications for all students — from cultivating appreciation for American history, to riveting classroom discussions around politics, to sparking future careers in the performing arts.

“Sophomores hav e b een selected to get them excited about what they will learn in U.S. History next school year,” district officials wrote in an online post.

The dist rict is still raising money to pay for commemorative T-shirts, dinner before the show and transportation. Those who wish to donate can contact the district’s partnerships and development office.

BRANDEN CAMP / SPECIAL TO THE AJC 2016 Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen sings “My Shot,” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “Hamilton,” during a district event in 2016 at King Middle School. The popular musical will be coming to the Fox Theatre later this month.