Building Brighter Futures Through Community: Principal Chendra Dupree’s Westside Story

Inside Herman J. Russell West End Academy, colorful murals remind students to dream about what their futures might hold. One encourages them to “DREAM BIG.” Another introduces career paths they might one day pursue. For Principal Chendra Dupree, these murals represent more than a fresh coat of paint. They are reminders that the community is invested in its children.

The murals came to life during Westside Future Fund’s (WFF) 2026 MLK Day of Service, when volunteers came together to help create a more inspiring environment for students. Alongside the artwork, WFF partnered with Home Depot to paint portions of the school’s interior.

“Seeing people give their time to make our building more welcoming for our students meant so much to me,” Dupree shares.

It’s one example of a partnership that has grown since Dupree became principal of Herman J. Russell West End Academy in August 2025. New to Atlanta Public Schools, she was eager to build relationships with organizations that shared her commitment.

“I wanted to connect with partners who shared my commitment to our students and families,” she says. “WFF became a meaningful partner through opportunities to serve our families, improve our school, and celebrate the Westside.”

A Partnership That Reaches Beyond the Classroom

Since connecting with WFF, Dupree has helped bring her school community into several volunteer initiatives that support and celebrate Atlanta’s historic Westside.

“I have seen what happens when a school and its community work together with a shared purpose,” she says. “Our partnerships have brought improvements to our building, support for our families, and opportunities to celebrate our students.”

In both 2025 and 2026, Herman J. Russell West End Academy participated in Ride for the Westside, joining neighbors and community partners to celebrate the neighborhood’s history and show their school spirit.

The school has also participated in WFF’s Holiday Wishes program, helping identify students and their siblings who could benefit from extra support during the holiday season. For Dupree, these opportunities show what can happen when people look beyond the walls of a school and recognize the needs of the families who make up its community.

“The murals and freshly painted spaces are visible reminders that people care about our children and their learning environment,” Dupree says. “Holiday Wishes extends that care beyond the school building and into their homes.”

Helping Students See What’s Possible

As principal, Dupree wants students to recognize the opportunities ahead of them while also understanding the history of the place they call home.

“The historic Westside matters to me because it is home to the children and families I serve,” she says. “This community has a powerful history and a deep sense of pride.”

That pride is something she hopes to nurture in her students every day. “As a school leader, I want our students to appreciate that legacy while recognizing their own ability to contribute to its future. Our children deserve to see opportunity all around them.”

That commitment extends into the classroom, where the school is expanding opportunities through dance and music technology classes, giving students new ways to express themselves and discover their talents. 

Students recently had an opportunity to share those talents during the Superintendent’s State of the District, hosted at Herman J. Russell West End Academy. “Seeing them shine on that stage was a proud moment for our school community,” Dupree says.

The school is also seeing encouraging progress, including improvements in academic achievement and attendance and a decrease in behavior incidents. For Dupree, those achievements are part of building a school community where students feel supported, encouraged and proud of what they can accomplish.

And while volunteers may only spend a few hours painting a wall or supporting an event, their presence contributes to that larger sense of community care.

Every Act of Service Sends a Message

When Dupree thinks about the volunteers who have shown up for her school, she sees more than the work they’ve completed. She sees people taking time out of their lives to show children that their futures are worth investing in.

Her invitation to others considering volunteering is simple: “Come out and join us.”

“Whether you are painting a wall, supporting a family during the holidays, or cheering at Ride for the Westside, your contribution matters,” she says. “You may see it as giving a few hours, but to a child or family, it can mean much more.”

That belief is at the heart of the partnership between Herman J. Russell West End Academy and Westside Future Fund. Every mural, holiday gift and community gathering is another opportunity to remind students that they are surrounded by people who want to see them succeed.

As Dupree puts it, “When you show up, you tell our children, ‘You matter. Your dreams matter. And this community believes in you.’ That is a message every child deserves to hear and experience.”

Want to make a difference on Atlanta’s historic Westside? Explore volunteer opportunities with Westside Future Fund.