The Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. recently honored 29 high-achieving graduating seniors from across Northeast Florida during its annual Dr. Ezekiel Bryant High School Recognition Program at Sandalwood High School. The students who each earned a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher were recognized for their academic accomplishments during a luncheon and awards ceremony attended by more than 80 family members, educators, fraternity members and supporters.
Each student received a certificate of achievement, while fraternity members offered encouragement and guidance on leadership, higher education and personal responsibility. The event’s keynote speaker, 18-year-old scholar and two-time Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest winner Wynton Clarke, challenged his fellow graduates to become engaged citizens, and future leaders committed to strengthening democracy and serving their communities.
The program is named in honor of Dr. Ezekiel Bryant, a pioneering educator and member of the Upsilon Lambda Chapter who became the first African American president within Florida’s community college system and served decades as president of the North Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) for 20 years. Bryant also served as the second principal of Raines High School, where he helped shape generations of students.
Chapter leaders said recognition programs remain a cornerstone of Alpha Phi Alphas’s commitment to academic excellence and youth development. Over the years, the initiative has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, provided mentorship opportunities and recognized thousands outstanding students throughout the First Coast. Organizers also thanked Brother Dr. Saryn Hatcher, Principal of Sandalwood High School and Deloris Washington, Culinary and Hospitality Department Head for their support in hosting the event.
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