WELCOME & OCCASION
Keith Berry
INVOCATION
Andre Saunders
ROBERT W. IRVIN SCHOLARSHIP HISTORY
Robert Collins
LUNCH IS SERVED
INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Temperance Paris
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Clinton Paris, Esquire
SCHOLARSHIPRECOGNITIONS
TAMPA ALUMNI CHAPTER HERITAGE AWARDEE
KAPPA LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
Presented by Ced Carrington
TAMPA ALUMNI GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
Presented by Sherry Clendinen, Darius Frazier, and Marcus Hayes
Academic Athletic
Leadership
Community Service
Comments by Suncoast Representative
Melva McKay Bass
Closing Remarks
Marcus Hayes
Kendall Alford is an accomplished scholar athlete and student leader, gradua ng as the Salutatorian of Hillsborough High School with an impressive 5.91 GPA. She has consistently demonstrated excellence in academics, athle cs, and service throughout her high school career.
Kendall le ered all four years as a dedicated member and Captain of the Girls Golf Team, leading by example both on and off the course. She also held several execu ve leadership posi ons within the Student Government Associa on, helping to shape student ini a ves and promote school spirit. A proud member of the Na onal Honor Society, Kendall has upheld the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and integrity.
This fall, Kendall will a end Florida State University, where she plans to major in Sports Management. She is the daughter of Mr. Greg Alford and Ms. Kim Alford, who con nue to support her success and personal growth.
and passion for service have earned her recogni on as the Academic Scholarship the Technology Student Associa on and President of both the Tampa Bay Tech earned top honors in mul ple compe ons including ACT SO, TSA, and the ACE Mentor Program, showcasing her talents in architecture, engineering, biology, music, and the performing arts.
Makana’s drive to improve communi es through sustainable design and planning sets her apart as a future changemaker. She will be a ending the University of Florida to study Sustainability and the Built Environment and Urban and Regional Planning.
s Athle cs
school. He is also ac vely involved in organiza ons like Men of Vision and the 5000 Role Models of Excellence, which focus on leadership, mentorship, and personal growth.
NaJaeh plans to con nue his academic and athle c journey at Valdosta State University, where he will major in Interior Design. His discipline, leadership, and work ethic both on and off the field make him a role model among his peers and a deserving recipient of this award.
Danielle Morgan exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and vision. As the Founder and Execu ve Director of Youth Health Advocates, a fiscally sponsored nonprofit, Danielle has empowered youth voices in health advocacy while balancing rigorous academics and mul ple leadership roles.
She currently serves as Vice President of her school’s Student Government Associa on, and previously held posi ons as Senator, Secretary, and Student Liaison. Danielle also leads in community-based organiza ons such as Precious Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she is Vice Secretary and Social Jusce Representa ve. Her leadership extends into the workforce, serving as a Team Lead at Panera Bread in Wesley Chapel.
Danielle’s achievements include the AP Scholar Award, AP Scholar with Dis nc on, and a poetry publica on in From The Girls. With plans to a end the University of Florida on a computer science and pre-med track, Danielle is commi ed to crea ng innova ve solu ons in healthcare and making a las ng difference in her community and beyond.
Joseph Djan has shown a strong commitment to community service and leadership throughout his high school years. He volunteered as a leader at the University of South Florida’s Office of Youth Experience, where he worked with children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Joseph organized and led ac vi es that promoted cri cal thinking and teamwork, including obstacle courses, interac ve games, and teaching kids how to program and use Root Robots, providing both fun and educa onal experiences.
In addi on to his work with USF, Joseph has been ac ve in his church community by assis ng with the youth class and offering guidance to younger members. His dedica on extends to school music programs as well, where he served as a baritone sec on leader. In this role, Joseph organized rehearsals and helped improve the group’s performance, leading them to successful shows at school events.
Joseph’s hard work is reflected in his academic achievements, having earned Honor Roll recogni on mul ple mes during high school. His balanced focus on academics, leadership, and community service shows he is a well-rounded individual ready to make posi ve contribu ons in college and beyond.
Calleigh Eakle’s heart for service is matched only by her academic excellence. As Student Director of Seeds of Hope Food Pantry, she leads over 200 volunteers in weekly food distribu ons to 315 families and spearheaded efforts that raised $3,700 for Thanksgiving meals and over $80,000 through the annual Fishhawk Turkey Trot. Her impact stretches across the Tampa Bay area through organizaons like Saint Stephen’s Church, Angel Founda on of Florida, Keep Tampa Bay Beau ful, and many more logging nearly 1,000 volunteer hours.
In school, Calleigh serves as President of Key Club, SAVE, and the Science Na onal Honor Society, where she’s not only grown membership but led service ini a ves that promote inclusion, mental health, and STEM advocacy. Her work has earned her the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award, Keep Tampa Bay Beau ful Student Leader Award, and the dis nc on of Valedictorian for the Class of 2025.
Calleigh will a end Georgia Tech, where she plans to con nue her journey of service and innova on as a biomedical engineer on the pre-med track. Her passion, leadership, and selflessness inspire everyone around her.
Service Award, Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, and the Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coali on Teen Social Jus ce Award, among many others.
Ailani’s future is as bold as her impact. She plans to study Business Management and con nue using her voice and talents to upli , inspire, and lead her community forward.
A future veterinarian, Sarah is enrolled in a Veterinary Assistant Cer fica on Program and will earn her CVA upon gradua on. She’s also been a dedicated member of Future Farmers of America, Na onal Honor Society, Student Council, and Phi Theta Kappa.
Sarah has received numerous honors, including the VFW Voice of Democracy Award, FFA Outstanding Achievement Award, and recogni on from the College Board’s Na onal First-Genera on Program. Her passion, work ethic, and leadership promise a bright future in animal science and beyond.
Abigail Welsh is a passionate community servant and crea ve leader who has made a las ng impact through literacy, art, and humanitarian efforts. As President of the Na onal English Honor Society, she promoted literacy by tutoring young students and organizing book drives. She also led the Art Club and fostered a welcoming space for student ar sts through workshops and shows.
Abigail’s commitment to global awareness shines through her role as a lead youth advocate for Interna onal Humanitarian Law, educa ng her community on vital legal principles. She ac vely par cipated in the American Red Cross Club, raising funds and supplies for vaccina on campaigns and disaster relief.
An accomplished poet and tech enthusiast, Abigail has earned awards for her slam poetry performances and competed in state and na onal coding contests with the Technology Student Associa on.
Her dedica on to educa on and community service earned her the New World's Scholar Award for tutoring disadvantaged children, and she maintained a flawless 4.0 GPA throughout high school.
Chad Bryant Jr is an aspiring Cer fied Public Accountant (CPA) with a strong interest in business, finance, and community development. He graduated from the George S. Middleton Magnet High School STEM program, where he maintained a 5.79 GPA. In his down me, he worked a er school and on weekends, completed internships, and contributed 204 hours of community service. Much of the service was focused on suppor ng less fortunate communi es through food drives and clean-ups.
As a student-athlete who competed in the 138-pound weight class for wrestling, Chad developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and discipline. All of these are quali es that he has applied both on and off the mat.
This summer, Chad will matriculate to the University of South Florida and major in accoun ng. His long-term goal is to become a cer fied public accountant (CPA) and u lize his knowledge to help individuals and communi es make informed financial decisions, ul mately building a more secure future. Chad thanks his parents for guiding him in the right direc on, as well as the Tampa Alumni Guide Right Founda on and Kappa League of Tampa (FL) for inves ng in his future.
Chris an Burney is a graduate of Pinellas Virtual School. He is a member of several community organiza ons, including the St. Petersburg College Center of Excellence Na onal Achievers Society and the Keep Pinellas Beau ful VolunTEEN Program. He is also a member of Kappa League of Tampa (FL), and the Urban Youth Empowerment Program.
Chris an finds fulfillment in giving back to his community through volunteer work, dedica ng over 400 volunteer hours to various community projects, including feeding the unhoused. He also volunteered as a baseball coach and golf instructor. Chris an is an avid reader who enjoys helping others and playing chess, baseball, and golf. He was elected captain of his high school golf team, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) dis nc on. Since his freshman year, he has been a member of the varsity baseball team and earned All-District 2nd Team honors in his junior year.
Chris an is a recipient of several scholarships that he earned for his outstanding work within the community and his academic achievements. This fall, he will be pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at St. Leo University.
Eriq “Keyshaun Clark, the son of Gary Clowers and Katrin Clark, graduated from Cypress Creek High School, where he excelled in Honors and AP Classes. During his me at Cypress Creek, he was very ac ve in the Journalism and Digital Photography programs. He was the Sports & Theatre Photographer for the Yearbook and School Paper. Eriq loves to read and create content for his Photography Por olio.
Keyshaun plans to a end Saint Leo University as a History/Pre Law major. A er one year, he intends to con nue his pursuit of a degree at the University of Central Florida. He aspires to be a criminal prosecutor to ensure that accused individuals receive legal representa on, regardless of the offense, and are charged according to the evidence. This has always been his passion, making the world a be er place for future genera ons. He is very ac ve in his church and serves as a young mentor in the Youth Ministry.
Keyshaun also plans to launch his own photography business, Paradiso Crea ve Images, a er gradua on. Incorpora ng his love of photography and business while pursuing his degree.
me state champion and U.S. Open compe tor. He also Bay, Trinity Café, Metropolitan Ministries, and the Bullard Family Founda on.
Inspired by an avia on tour with the Na onal Black Coali on of Federal Avia on Employees and Kappa League of Tampa (FL), Elijah is commi ed to advancing diversity and innova on in the avia on field.
Zarumin Wayne Coleman III is a recent graduate of Sumner High School, set to a end the pres gious Academy of Art University in California to study 2D Art. While in high school, Zarumin maintained an academic focus and dedicated his free me to community service, both within and outside of Kappa League of Tampa (FL).
Beyond his academic and community involvement, Zarumin is an accomplished ar st, having been awarded a bronze medal for his art in the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scien fic Olympics (ACT-SO) program sponsored by the NAACP. He also brings prac cal work experience, having served as a crew member at McDonald's, where he gained experience working with diverse teams and managers.
Zarumin is described as a hardworking individual who approaches his work with a posi ve a tude and respect for his team and customers. He is currently seeking a part- me job to help with college expenses.
A er his high school journey, Towuon is now set to embark on a new chapter at Florida Memorial University, where he plans to pursue a degree in avia on. His ul mate goal is to turn his lifelong dream into reality by becoming a commercial airline pilot, a career path he is passionate about and fully commi ed to.
Ladarius Irvin graduated with Honors from George S. Middleton High School, with a 5.83 GPA, from the Computer Game Design Magnet Program. Throughout high school, he balanced academics with meaningful extracurriculars and community service. He was recognized as an Honors student in AP courses and was recognized by the College Board in 2023 as a Na onal African American Student for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
His extracurricular and community involvement includes Model United Na ons, Na onal Honor Society, Science Na onal Honor Society, Technology Student Associa on, Tampa Bay Fossil Club, and Kappa League of Tampa (FL). He has dedicated over 400 volunteer hours with Metropolitan Ministries, Black Treasurers Investments (BTI), the Delta Delta Chapter of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., and the Healthy 22nd Street Garden Ini a ve.
He is very passionate about technological science and increasing diversity in STEM fields. He plans to a end the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he will major in Geology, with a concentra on in Paleontology, and a minor in Geospa al Technology. He hopes to be a role model for other African American male youth who share his passion for science and discovery.
Geremiah Miley is a proud graduate of C. Leon King High School in Tampa, Florida. Throughout his high school years, he was passionately involved in He maintained a 3.0 GPA while balancing the
Geremiah was a charter mentor of the Kappa League Club of King High School, an ini a ve to establish Kappa League mentor chapters within the Hillsborough County Public Schools.
This Fall, Geremiah will a end Hillsborough Community College and major in Business. His long-term goal is to use his business degree to launch and manage his music career and brand. He is passionate about crea ng music, especially in the rap and hip-hop genres, and views entrepreneurship as a key path to building a successful and sustainable career in the entertainment industry.
As he con nues his educa on, Geremiah looks forward to joining student organiza ons and networking with others who share his passion for business, crea vity, and innova on.
Mikal Morris graduated from St. Petersburg Collegiate High School with a 3.77 GPA while ac vely engaging in athle cs, leadership, service, and work. Mikal has been a member of Kappa League since 2018. He simultaneously earned an Associate’s degree from St. Petersburg College.
A dedicated community servant, Mikal has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 Na onal Achievers Society “Achiever of the Year” Award, University of South Florida Dr. Mar n Luther King, Jr. Award, Na onal Council of Negro Women Ralph Young Scholar Award.
As a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Na onal Honor Society and former president of the Na onal Achievers Society, Mikal has demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to empowering himself and others. He has accumulated over 300 hours of community service, including contribu ons as a youth sports coach for the YMCA. A scholar-athlete, Mikal was the captain and MVP of the Lakewood High Baseball Team.
Mikal will a end FAMU to major in Journalism. He is a member of the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and the Na onal Associa on of Black Journalists. A proud son of Dr. Shameka S. Jones and brother to Chancellor, Mikal is guided by his belief that true success comes from relentless perseverance. He lives by the mantra, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
with specific emphasis on mentoring, leadership development, and appropriate programs
capital for our academic enrichment, leadership development and
