Indian Creek Elementary School STEM teacher Dr. Adam Nykamp is the Metro Atlanta Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Champion of the Year. Georgia Safe Routes to School presented him with the award on May 21 in front of students, faculty, and staff.
The Atlanta Safe Routes to School Champion of the Year award is given to an individual who leads a Safe Routes to School program at their school. This program is an initiative of the Georgia Department of Transportation that aims to empower and encourage families to walk and roll to and from school in safe conditions.
The Ladybug for Girls Foundation nominated Dr. Nykamp for the award for his enthusiastic support for the program at Indian Creek ES. This Clarkston-based organization empowers girls through sports, wellness, and health education to help them feel beautiful from the inside out. In their nomination, the organization admired Dr. Nykamp’s dedication to student safety and his passion for ensuring the well-being of every child, which is evident in everything he does.
“Each year, without fail, he coordinates crossing guards, enthusiastically promotes SRTS within the school community, and leads engaging educational workshops on road safety with parents and students,” the organization said.
“His commitment to going above and beyond his STEM educator role is inspiring and heartwarming. Adam’s genuine care for all the students’ safety is evident in every action he takes—from fun engagement with the faculty to patiently teaching the K-5 children how to navigate roads responsibly. He embodies what it means to be a true advocate for safe routes to school.”
Metro Atlanta Region Coordinator Marielena Gutiérrez said Dr. Nykamp truly deserves the award.
“I am very proud of his dedication as a School Champion,” she said. “It is hard to pick one out of 155 schools in DeKalb, Clayton, Fulton, and Rockdale counties. He deserves it and more.”