BOE Officially Proclaims ‘Michael Harris II Day’
Henry County BOE Officially Proclaims ‘Michael Harris II Day’ in Honor of Stockbridge High Alumnus
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HENRY COUNTY, GA - The Henry County Board of Education during its regularly scheduled February meeting honored Stockbridge High School alumnus and Atlanta Braves centerfielder Michael Harris II by unanimous vote to proclaim the first Tuesday in February 2023 as “Michael Harris II Day” in Henry County Schools (HCS).
Michael Harris II Day was celebrated by employees and students wearing Atlanta Braves attire across the district on Feb. 7 and with an afternoon ceremony on the Stockbridge High baseball field attended by Harris and family. Also present were Board Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2), Board Vice Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4), Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis, other local dignitaries, district officials, former coaches, district baseball players and representatives from Stockbridge High, Austin Road Middle and Fairview Elementary – all three Henry County Schools attended by Harris.
“We are excited to officially proclaim ‘Michael Harris II Day’ in Henry County Schools and so proud to call him one of our own,” said Chair Edwards. “He is a shining example of hard work, dedication and the successful pursuit of an exceptional future.”
“Michael Harris II has filled Henry County Schools with pride and inspiration for the next generation of student-athletes. While being so accomplished as a baseball player, his reputation was incredibly accomplished as a student. We are exceedingly grateful for the extraordinary model he has provided and for the opportunity to celebrate him,” added Superintendent Davis.
The reigning Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year, Harris graduated from Stockbridge and was selected by the Braves in the third round of Major League Baseball draft in 2019.
He rapidly ascended through the ranks of the Braves minor-league system before making his MLB debut on May 28, 2022. He posted a batting average of .297 with 19 home runs and 64 runs batted in through the end of the 2022 season and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best defensive centerfielders in the league.
His performance with the big-league club earned Harris National League Rookie of the Month honors in June, August and September, paving the way for him to be named NL Rookie of the Year and a member of Baseball America’s All-Rookie Team. Harris signed an eight-year contract extension with the Braves in August worth a minimum of $72 million.
HCS Chief of Staff Duke Bradley presented the proclamation to the board on Feb. 13, stating, “The mission of this Board of Education is to empower students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society. Thanks to the leadership of this Board, the balance of rigorous academics coupled with the offering of a variety of extracurricular activities, our students are afforded the opportunity to explore their varied interests. Mr. Harris provides testament that students who emerge from our district can access the very heights of their professions – thereby demonstrating what is possible for a Henry County Schools student.”
