Tony Award for educators won by a Georgia teacher who stresses self-empowerment and storytelling

NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theater teacher in Georgia, is getting a Tony Award. Hendricks is receiving a special Tony that honors educators. He founded the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and has been an arts educator for over 30 years. He estimates that between 20 and 28 of his students have gone on to Broadway. The award includes a $10,000 prize for Utopian Academy and tickets to the June 7 Tony ceremony. Hendricks emphasizes self-love and creating a safe space for his students. Two of his former students will be at the Tonys with him — sound designer Justin Ellington and performer-producer Kandi Burruss.

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