Atlanta, GA — The East Lake Foundation has received a $1.1 million donation to launch a new leadership program at Drew Charter School.

The program will be called the Tom Cousins and Billy Payne Leadership and Service Program at Charles R. Drew Charter School. Rob Johnston, the immediate past Chairman of the TOUR Championship and a decades-long member of the East Lake Foundation’s Board of Directors, made the donation, according to a press release from the East Lake Foundation.

“Tom and Billy were mentors to me both personally and professionally, and they introduced me to the miracle at East Lake,” Johnston said in the press release. “These visionary leaders inspired me to think beyond the horizon. I sincerely hope to prepare all Drew students for greatness – beyond what is provided in their academic careers – so I am thrilled to fund the creation of the Tom Cousins and Billy Payne Leadership and Service Program. I have known these two iconic leaders all my life and am honored that they will be forever linked by their lifelong commitment to humility and humanity.”

The new leadership program will “give all students at Drew exposure to leadership skills and personal networks,” the press release says.

Johnston hopes the program, “will encourage these students to rise above their comfort zone.”

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