2026 Honorees

Gracia "TC" Thompkins

Gracia “TC” Thompkins is a nationally recognized music industry executive, entrepreneur, and marketing visionary whose remarkable career spans more than four decades. As a proud graduate of the Class of 1964 of Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Texas, Thompkins took the determination, work ethic, and ambition he developed in his hometown and carried them onto some of the biggest stages in the entertainment industry.

Thompkins began his professional career in 1970 with Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as a Regional Promotions Manager.  While at Stax, he worked with artist Isaac Hayes, the creator of the Shaft music track along with the Staple Singers. He went on to hold regional promotional leadership positions with Capitol Records and ABC Records before joining CBS/Epic Records in New York City. His career at Epic ultimately led him to serve as National Director and Vice President of Promotions and Marketing for Epic and its associated labels.

During his tenure at Epic, Thompkins played an important role in marketing and promoting some of the most influential artists and recordings in music history. His work included campaigns surrounding Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and the landmark Thriller album, as well as the development and promotion of artists such as Sade, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, The Isley Brothers, Mtume, and many others. His expertise in radio promotion, artist development, marketing, and branding helped Epic Records experience one of the most successful periods in its history.

Thompkins was particularly instrumental in introducing Sade and her music to the American market, helping develop the promotional strategy for her first U.S. release, Diamond Life. His ability to recognize talent and understand how to connect artists with audiences became a defining characteristic of his career.

Following his distinguished career with Epic Records, Thompkins founded TC Thompkins LLC, where he continued developing national, regional, and local promotional campaigns for artists, record labels, and management companies. His career has also included work as a consultant, entrepreneur, radio personality, and mentor within the entertainment industry.

In 2023, Thompkins shared his remarkable journey in his book, When Radio Was King, chronicling his experiences in the music business and his work with some of the industry's most legendary artists.

While his professional accomplishments have taken him from Atlanta, Texas, to Memphis, Dallas, New York City, and beyond, Gracia “TC” Thompkins’ story remains rooted in the values and foundation he received growing up in Atlanta. His journey is a powerful example of how vision, determination, talent, and perseverance can transform a dream into an extraordinary career.

The Atlanta Education Foundation proudly recognizes Gracia “TC” Thompkins as a 2026 Distinguished Alumni, honoring not only his remarkable contributions to the music and entertainment industry, but also the legacy he represents for the students of Atlanta who dare to dream big and pursue their own extraordinary paths.

Steve Oden

Steve Oden’s life began in Atlanta, Texas, in 1939 at Ellington Memorial Clinic. At the time, his parents, Edwin and Marie Oden, and all four of his grandparents called Atlanta home. Although they are no longer living, Mr. Oden remains grateful for the legacy they left and the ways each contributed to making Atlanta a better place. He was raised in a loving and devoted family alongside his sister, Gretchen, wife of Dr. Dan Nichols.

A proud 1957 graduate of Atlanta High School, Mr. Oden went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961. He then attended Baylor Law School, graduating in 1965. During his time at Baylor, he served as President of the senior class.

In 1964, Mr. Oden married Mary Ann Moser of DeKalb, Texas, beginning a partnership that has now spanned 62 years. Following law school, the couple moved to Texarkana, where Mr. Oden joined the Atchley law firm. He practiced business law with the firm from 1965 until 2004, with the exception of one year when he served as an Associate Justice on the Sixth Court of Appeals in Texarkana. He also served as President of the Texarkana Bar Association.

Mr. Oden and Mary Ann built their family in Texarkana, raising three children: Lynn McBroom (Ben), Stephen Oden (Abbe), and Anna Graves (David). Their family has continued to grow, bringing them the joy of seven grandchildren: Chip Oden, Robert McBroom, Mary Margaret Oden, Mary Ann Graves, Rick McBroom, Georgia Graves, and Henry Graves.

Since 1965, Mr. Oden has made Texarkana his home while maintaining a deep and enduring connection to Atlanta. His commitment to business and community leadership is reflected in his remarkable 53 years of service on the board of State Bank, including 31 years as Chairman from 1980 to 2011. He also served on the boards of Atlanta National Bank and Springlake Savings and Loan and served as a Regent for East Texas University, now Texas A&M University–Texarkana.

Faith has also been an important part of Mr. Oden’s life. He and Mary Ann are lifelong Methodists and longtime members of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in Texarkana, where both have served in leadership roles. During his first 18 years in Atlanta, Mr. Oden was a member of First Methodist Church of Atlanta. He remains deeply grateful for the fellowship, faith, and religious foundation he received there.

For more than eight decades, Steve Oden has carried with him the values instilled in him by his Atlanta family, his education, his faith, and a lifetime of service. His roots in Atlanta run deep, and his commitment to the communities he has called home has left a lasting legacy.
 

Treaca Powell Huston

Treaca Huston’s life is a beautiful symphony of education, music, faith, and service—a life dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

Raised in the Law’s Chapel community, Treaca stood out from the very beginning. As a proud graduate of the Atlanta High School Class of 1956, she earned straight A’s throughout her twelve years of school, demonstrating the determination, intelligence, discipline, and strong work ethic that would become hallmarks of her life. Academics were only one part of Treaca’s remarkable story. Music became another lifelong calling.

Treaca began taking piano lessons at the age of seven, and by the time she was just eleven years old, she was playing piano for Law’s Chapel Methodist Church. Her musical talents continued to flourish throughout her school years. In high school, she played piano for numerous graduation ceremonies and distinguished herself as a first-chair saxophonist. She was an active member of the swing band, marching band, and concert band and was honored by her classmates as the AHS Band Sweetheart her senior year.

Music would remain an important part of Treaca’s life for decades to come. For forty years, she served as pianist and organist for First United Methodist Church, using her remarkable gifts to enhance worship and bring comfort and joy to generations of church members. She also taught piano lessons to many students in our community.  In 2006, she returned to her roots at Law’s Chapel, where she continues to serve today by faithfully playing the piano and directing the choir.

Treaca’s commitment to education was equally extraordinary.

She attended East Texas State University in Commerce, Texarkana College, and Stephen F. Austin State University before returning to East Texas State University, where she graduated in 1966 after beginning her student teaching. Her reputation for excellence was already so strong that Atlanta Independent School District offered her a teaching position without her ever having to apply.

Thus began a 33-year teaching career with Atlanta ISD, spanning from 1966 through 1999. Treaca taught first, second, fourth, and fifth grades and ultimately specialized in fifth-grade mathematics. She was not only an exceptional classroom teacher but also a leader in education beyond her classroom. She served on statewide committees and contributed to the development of the TAAS assessment, helping shape educational practices beyond the Atlanta community.

Retirement did not slow Treaca’s commitment to serving others. She continued her leadership through the Texas Retired Teachers Association, serving on its board and dedicating herself to the needs and interests of retired educators. Her service included four years as president and two years as district president. Her leadership and involvement with the organization continued to connect her with educators across the state.

But perhaps what makes Treaca’s legacy so special are the countless personal touches she gave to the people around her.

She loved bringing joy to children, including dressing in costume to read to students at Atlanta Elementary and turning an ordinary reading experience into a memorable adventure. Each year, after her retirement, she created goodie bags for every Atlanta ISD employee—celebrating the beginning of school, holidays, Valentine’s Day, and the end of another school year. Her life has been defined not simply by what she accomplished, but by how she made people feel.

Whether she was standing before a classroom of children, sitting behind a piano, directing a choir, leading retired educators, reading a story in costume, or delivering a bag of treats to a colleague, Treaca gave generously of her time, her talents, and her heart.

Her influence reaches far beyond the 33 years she spent in an Atlanta ISD classroom. It lives on in the students she taught, the teachers she encouraged, the musicians she inspired, the congregations she served, and the countless people who experienced her kindness.

Treaca Huston has spent a lifetime turning her gifts into opportunities to serve others. Her music has lifted spirits. Her teaching has shaped young minds. Her faith has guided her service. And her kindness has brightened the lives of generations of Atlanta families.

The Atlanta Education Foundation proudly recognizes Treaca Huston with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award, honoring an extraordinary educator, musician, servant, mentor, and faithful member of the Atlanta community. Her life is a lasting reminder that a truly meaningful legacy is not measured only by accomplishments, but by the lives we touch along the way.

Treaca gave her time. She gave her talents. She gave her heart. And through all three, she gave Atlanta a legacy that will continue to echo for generations to come.