Upward Bound Rising Stars Honored

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University’s Upward Bound (UB) honored its highest achievers during its annual awards banquet Thursday, May 17, in the Student Union Ballroom.

The event included entertainment by the Valdosta High School Jazz Ensemble and words of inspiration from local attorney, Valerie Thomas Bryant. During her address to UB participants, Bryant emphasized the importance of academic accomplishment, but stressed that it is equally important to serve others.

With 24 years of legal experience, Bryant is currently an attorney in the Lowndes County Public Defender’s Office. Her son, Dedrek Bryant, is a former UB Rising Star and currently attends the University of Georgia.

Eleven graduating seniors were recognized during the banquet as Rising Stars in the Class of 2012. UB participants also received various awards for high scholastic achievement.

This year’s honorees include:

Director’s Award, Ebony Fountain and Eardley Smith
Leadership Award, Terrica Scruggs
Highest SAT, Eardley Smith
Highest ACT, Ebony Fountain
Highest Senior GPA, Shaniqua Durr
Highest Junior GPA, Bre’Anna Everett
Highest Underclassman GPA, James Dean

The following students were also recognized for A/B Honor Roll: Shaniqua Durr, Shaila Felder, Ebony Fountain, Jarrod Miller, Chelsea Moore, Eardley Smith, Terrica Scruggs, Bre’Anna Everett, Alex Thomas, Kelvin Flucas, James Dean, Chelsie Miller, Judith Keaton, Shontodra Bradley and Sharoy Williams.

As a result of their exemplary work in the program, the Rising Stars Class of 2012 will take a senior trip to California May 29 to June 1, visiting four universities.

The UB program, funded by a $1 million TRIO grant from the Department of Education, helps local college-bound students in ninth through 12th grade develop the skills and motivation necessary to succeed beyond high school. Seniors have dedicated time during the last two years to attending afterschool study sessions and Saturday learning sessions with Upward Bound tutors and advisors. Students not only covered themes in math, science and literature, but also focused on preparation for the SAT, ACT and Georgia High School Graduation Test.

Call the Office of Social Equity at 229-333-5463 for more information about this and other programs.