Raider Nation Welcomes Our 2026-27 New Staff!
Mia Awad
A global citizen who has lived in seven different countries, speaks three languages, and is currently learning a fourth, Mia brings a wealth of experience, culture, and perspective to Alpharetta High School. She holds degrees in Modern Language & Culture, Instructional Technology, and Teacher Leadership, and joins us from Webb Bridge Middle School, where she sponsored a variety of student organizations, including French Club, Indian Culture Club, UNO Club, Stock & Investment Club, and Geography Club.
Beyond the classroom, Mia enjoys traveling, photography, and gardening. We are excited for our students and staff to benefit from her passion for learning, leadership, and building meaningful connections.
Welcome to the Raider family, Mia!
Michael Day
Please help us welcome Mr. Michael Day to Raider Nation!
Mr. Day is entering his fourth year with Fulton County Schools and is excited to return to the classroom after serving as an Instructional Support Teacher. He holds a B.A. from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. His passion for teaching and supporting student success makes him a great addition to our team.
Fun fact: Mr. Day is an Eagle Scout and has spent nearly 30 years coaching football at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Welcome to Alpharetta High School, Mr. Day!
Welcome to Raider Nation, Mr. Jeremy Dudman!
Mr. Dudman brings an incredible blend of industry expertise and educational experience to Raider Nation. A seasoned audio engineer, producer, musician, and educator, he has spent more than 15 years working in professional recording studios and 14 years teaching at both the high school and college levels, including Gwinnett County schools, The Art Institute of Atlanta, and The Art Institute of Houston.
From 2011-2017, Mr. Dudman worked at Lucky Run Studio in Houston, Texas, where he recorded, mixed, and mastered a wide variety of music projects. Today, he remains deeply involved in the music industry as the Chair of the AES Atlanta Section, a voting member of The Recording Academy, and the producer and co-host of the music podcast The Album Argument. He is also an accomplished musician, performing on double bass with Tara Winds.
Mr. Dudman holds an MFA in Recording Arts and Technologies from Middle Tennessee State University and a BA in Commercial Music from Florida State University.
Please join us in giving a warm Raider welcome to Mr. Dudman! We can’t wait to see how he inspires the next generation of musicians, producers, engineers, and creators at Alpharetta High School.
Alpharetta High School is excited to welcome Jessica Emberton to our team! Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and her master’s degree from Kennesaw State University. A proud baseball and football mom of four, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, relaxing at the beach, reading, walking, and exploring historical sites.
Jessica is passionate about building relationships with students, staff, and families, and she is looking forward to an outstanding year at AHS. Please join us in giving her a warm Raider welcome!
Please help us welcome AHS alum and newest Raider teacher, Josh Herring, back home to Alpharetta High School!
A 2019 graduate of Alpharetta High School, Josh returns to Raider Nation after beginning a teaching career at Centennial High School, where he taught IRR Math and General Education Social Studies. After graduating from AHS, he attended Belmont University to study film and has worked on multiple short films while building a successful freelance photography and videography career.
When not teaching, you'll find Josh diving into all things nerdy—from Dungeons & Dragons and card games to video games—and sharing those passions with others whenever possible. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, watching movies and shows, gaming with friends, and working on creative photo, film, and passion projects.
We're excited to welcome this talented educator, creative storyteller, and fellow Raider back to where it all began!
We are excited to welcome Laura McCreary back to the Alpharetta High School family! After a brief teaching assignment in Forsyth County, Laura returns to AHS with 14 years of educational experience and a passion for helping students learn and grow. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University and the University of North Georgia, she is a lifelong learner who enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and spending time with animals. As a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Laura brings enthusiasm, experience, and dedication back to Raider Nation.
Welcome home, Laura!
Please join us in welcoming James Minyard to the Alpharetta High School Raider Family! Mr. Minyard brings a unique blend of educational and industry experience, having taught mathematics and computer science for the past 10 years while also drawing from a professional background in Information Technology, including work at Georgia Tech. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Mathematics from Clayton State University. Mr. Minyard will teach Computer Science and serve as a Co-Sponsor for FBLA, helping students develop the skills, knowledge, and leadership experiences needed for future success. We are excited to have him join AHS and look forward to the impact he will make in and beyond the classroom!
Alona Shupe joins the Alpharetta High School team after 19 years as a Spanish teacher, including the last 16 years at Hopewell Middle School. Throughout her career, she has served in several leadership roles, including World Language Department Chair and Eighth Grade Level Chair. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, her master's degree from Michigan State University, and her Educational Leadership Certification from Georgia Southern University. In her free time, she enjoys a great cup of coffee, getting lost in a good book, and traveling to new places. She is excited to support students, staff, and families in her new role and is proud to be part of the Raider Nation.
We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ben Smith to the Alpharetta High School family as a member of our Health & Physical Education Department and Head Boys Basketball Coach.
Coach Ben brings a wealth of experience as an educator, mentor, and leader who is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Throughout his career, he has built programs centered on relationships, character, and excellence—values that align perfectly with our mission at Alpharetta High School.
Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the community, Coach Ben is committed to developing young people into confident leaders and lifelong learners. His enthusiasm for serving students and fostering meaningful connections will make an immediate impact across Raider Nation.
Please join us in giving Coach Ben and his family a warm Raider welcome. We are excited to have him as part of our faculty and look forward to the positive influence he will have on our students and school community.
Raider Nation is excited to welcome back one of our own!
A proud Alpharetta High School alumnus and former Raider basketball player, David Swillum returns to AHS with a passion for education, athletics, and student success.
Originally from Chicago, David moved to Georgia with his family at age 12 and found a home at Alpharetta High School, where he excelled on the basketball court before graduating and continuing his athletic and academic journey at the collegiate level. He went on to play college basketball while earning a Bachelor of Communications from Oglethorpe University and a Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Texas Christian University.
While living in Texas and traveling back to Georgia, David met his wife. They have now been married for two years and are proud parents to their son, Joseph.
David's mission as an educator is simple but powerful: to serve students and student-athletes by helping prepare them for lives of excellence in college, careers, and beyond.
Please join us in giving a warm Raider welcome to David Swillum as he returns home to make an impact on the next generation of Raiders!