Battinto Batts
Battinto L. Batts Jr., Ph.D., is an academic leader and award-winning journalist and educator with deep experience in philanthropy and nonprofit administration. As dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University since 2021, he leads one of the nation’s premier journalism and mass communication programs.
The public schools of Chesterfield County are where Dr. Batts got his start in both academics and journalism. He attended Ettrick Annex, Matoaca Middle School and Matoaca High School, where he served as editor of the school paper and connected with newspapers in Petersburg and Richmond.
Grateful for the mentors he found within Chesterfield County Public Schools, including school administrators, teachers and coaches, Dr. Batts works to empower others while strengthening journalism. He believes his biggest accomplishment is helping emerging journalists start their careers and providing advice and guidance. Dr. Batts said, “It is rewarding to see former students on TV or in other high-profile roles committed to bringing along others because someone helped them. That is what inspires me, too. I am here because someone helped me along the way. To be in a place to do the same and instill that same commitment in others is my biggest accomplishment.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Batts has made a significant difference nationwide. One example is his time at the Scripps Howard Foundation, when he raised and awarded millions of dollars to support journalism programs. Other examples are his service on the boards of the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (2016-present), Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism (2018-present) and Poynter Institute for Media Studies (2022-present).
An outstanding product of public education, Dr. Batts pays forward the support he received by leading a vital journalism program at a public university.
Kelly king Horne
Kelly King Horne makes the world better. She has worked since 2003 in homeless services at Homeward, a nonprofit seeking to reduce homelessness in the greater Richmond region. Before joining Homeward, she worked with Habitat for Humanity International and the Peace Corps. In Moldova, Romania, Armenia and Northern Ireland, Kelly partnered with local residents to improve housing conditions and build community decision-making efforts.
Kelly works with people experiencing homelessness because she knows the value of having a stable place to live. She believes all neighbors should have the same platform for their hopes and dreams. And that’s a core principle of public education too: Everyone should have the same academic opportunities and support to achieve to their highest potential.
Kelly is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in big projects. She is a consensus builder with a proven record of leveraging scarce resources to accomplish shared goals. She is an exceptional communicator who is highly regarded by board members, staff members and others across the globe.
Kelly’s career achievements and her empathy for neighbors who need a hand up began with her years in public education and Chesterfield County Public Schools. Through dedicated teachers, diverse learning experiences and opportunities to engage in the broader community, she developed the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills that have been essential throughout her career.
Public education exposed her to people from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering the empathy and understanding that guide her work serving vulnerable populations. Equipped with a strong educational foundation and a commitment to making a difference, Kelly has created programs, advocated for resources and supported people on the path to stable housing and self-sufficiency.
Naren Ponnusamy
Naren Ponnusamy represents the very best of public education and the opportunities it provides students to grow as scholars, leaders, and innovators. As a junior in Chesterfield County Public Schools, he has built a strong academic foundation through rigorous core coursework and numerous Advanced Placement classes, particularly in science, while also exploring Career and Technical Education through Sports Medicine and participation in HOSA and DECA.
His accomplishments already extend far beyond the classroom. Independently, Naren has conducted advanced research using generative AI to explore challenges in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on the PD-L1 checkpoint protein that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. Using a computational pipeline that included RFdiffusion, ProteinMPNN, and AlphaFold2, he designed novel protein binders intended to target PD-L1, demonstrating both technical depth and remarkable initiative for a high school student. He also applied Python coding skills to refine his models and presented his work at Chesterfield County’s first Generative AI Student Fair.
At the same time, Naren has excelled in competitive student organizations and academic activities. Through HOSA, he advanced to the State Leadership Conference and earned 4th place in competition, while in DECA he qualified for the International Career Development Conference. In debate, he earned recognition as an NHUDL Statewide Debate Champion at Yale University and a Top 10 Speaker at the Yale Osterweis Debate Tournament.
Public education has played a central role in shaping his success. His experiences in rigorous academics, Advanced Placement courses, CTE programs, CTSOs, debate, and leadership opportunities such as the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Group on Education (SSAGE) have helped develop his critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Through SSAGE, he has also contributed student perspectives on important topics including the role of generative AI in education.
Naren’s story stands out because it reflects the power of a well-rounded public education to cultivate curiosity, innovation, and leadership. His journey demonstrates that public schools empower students not only to achieve academic success, but also to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.