“She never viewed teaching as a job,” said Jasmine Price, a former colleague from her Cobb County days. “To Laura, teaching was a calling. Every child mattered. Every voice was heard. Every success was celebrated.”

A New Chapter in Cherokee County: Liberty Elementary School

In 2007, Laura transitioned to Liberty Elementary School in Cherokee County, where she spent eight formative years teaching kindergarten and first grade. It was here that Laura further honed her skills as a foundational educator, working with the youngest learners to develop their literacy, numeracy, and curiosity. Parents of her former students recall her gentle spirit and firm dedication to excellence.

“She was the kind of teacher who made school feel like home,” shared Sarah Donovan, whose daughter was in Laura’s kindergarten class in 2009. “My daughter still talks about Mrs. Akers and the way she made her feel safe, important, and excited to learn.”

During her time at Liberty, Laura also began mentoring new teachers and volunteering for leadership roles within the school. Her natural ability to inspire others, combined with her exceptional organizational skills, made her a standout leader in the school community.

Stepping Into Leadership: Assistant Principal at Little River Elementary

Laura’s journey into administration officially began when she accepted the role of Assistant Principal at Little River Elementary School. For three years, she worked tirelessly to support both teachers and students, overseeing curriculum implementation, staff development, student discipline, and parent engagement.

As an assistant principal, Laura was known for her collaborative approach and her ability to balance empathy with accountability. She built strong relationships with staff and families, consistently demonstrating a servant-leader mindset that prioritized the success of the entire school community.

Thomas Willoughby, a fellow administrator, remarked, “Laura didn’t lead from behind a desk. She led from the heart — in classrooms, in hallways, in car lines, and in countless one-on-one conversations where she made people feel seen and valued.”

Principal at Johnston Elementary School: Six Years of Impact and Innovation

In 2014, Laura was appointed Principal of Johnston Elementary School, where she spent the next six years guiding the school through significant transformation. Under her leadership, Johnston saw measurable improvements in student achievement, school climate, and teacher retention.

Laura implemented several key initiatives that would become hallmarks of her leadership style:

• Science-based Early Literacy Programs: Believing that literacy is the cornerstone of lifelong learning, Laura introduced data-driven reading interventions and professional development for teachers focused on phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): She fostered a culture of collaboration by organizing grade-level and subject-area PLCs that met regularly to analyze student data, share instructional strategies, and set collective goals.
• Student-Led Conferences: Laura championed the idea of empowering students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to present their academic progress to parents during special conference events.
• Equity and Inclusion Initiatives: She worked to ensure that all students — regardless of background or ability — had access to high-quality education and supportive services.

Johnston Elementary’s culture shifted under Laura’s leadership from one of compliance to one of commitment, creativity, and compassion.

The Final Chapter: Oak Grove Elementary STEAM Academy

In 2023, Laura accepted the principalship of Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy, drawn by the school’s emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. She saw in Oak Grove an opportunity to merge her love of foundational learning with her passion for innovation.

Though her time at Oak Grove was brief, her impact was immediate and profound. Teachers praised her for her transparency, her listening ear, and her genuine excitement for teaching and learning. She formed school-wide committees to assess and enhance instructional practices, began revamping the school’s community engagement strategy, and was in the early stages of launching a new initiative designed to integrate STEAM learning across all grade levels.

“Laura brought hope and vision to our school,” said Emily Zhang, a fourth-grade teacher at Oak Grove. “We were so excited for what the future held under her leadership. It hurts deeply that we won’t get to see her plans fully realized.”

A Legacy of Mentorship, Advocacy, and Empathy

One of Laura’s most enduring legacies is the mentorship she provided to hundreds of educators over the years. Former mentees recall how she poured into them — not just professionally, but personally — always making time for honest conversations, encouragement, and growth.

Christy Morris Cook, a former student-teacher under Laura’s supervision, shared an emotional tribute: “Laura taught me not just how to teach, but how to connect. She believed in me when I doubted myself. Her influence shaped the educator I am today, and I’ll carry her lessons with me for the rest of my career.”

Beyond her school roles, Laura advocated for educational equity at the district level and participated in leadership committees for Cherokee County Schools, always pushing for student-centered policies and teacher support.

A Devoted Family Woman: Laura at Home

While Laura’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to her say that her proudest role was that of wife and mother. She was married to Jason Akers, her partner and best friend for over two decades. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, laughter, and unconditional love. Their two children, Ava and Grayson, were the center of Laura’s universe.

Family friends recall how Laura was present for every milestone — dance recitals, football games, school plays, and family dinners. Despite her demanding career, she never missed an opportunity to make memories with her loved ones.

“She was a supermom,” said close friend Angela Wright. “Somehow, she made it to every event, every bedtime story, every holiday tradition — and she did it with grace and joy.”

Laura is also survived by her parents, Richard and Brenda Foster, who have been pillars of strength and support throughout her life. They, along with Laura’s extended family, church community, and lifelong friends, now grieve the loss of a woman whose light was so bright and whose presence was so powerful.

The Mourning of a Community

In the days following her passing, the Cherokee County School District issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences to the Akers family and praising Laura for her “unwavering dedication to students, staff, and families.” Flags at Oak Grove were lowered to half-staff, and grief counselors were made available to students and teachers.

A candlelight vigil was held on the Oak Grove playground, attended by hundreds of families, educators, and community members. The playground was filled with flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs of Laura — a testament to the countless lives she touched.

Plans are also underway to establish a scholarship fund in Laura’s memory, aimed at supporting future educators from Cherokee County who share her commitment to excellence and equity in education.

Final Reflections: A Legacy That Lives On

Laura Akers’ sudden departure has shaken the hearts of many, but her impact endures — in every student she inspired, every teacher she mentored, every school she led, and every person who had the privilege of knowing her.

In a world that often undervalues the role of educators,