By Alexis LaRue
AFRO Intern
alarue@afro.com
Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy (FLT Preparatory Academy) held its Annual Excellence Gala on Feb. 12. Teachers, students, parents and community partners gathered to celebrate a night of excellence, uplifting legacy, leadership and commitment to the school’s community.
Ladaisha Ballard, principal of FLT Preparatory Academy, used the evening to celebrate the journey and growth that the school has gone through over the past few years.
“We are stronger together, and our children are worth every effort,” said Ballard.
The awards gala was a joyful celebration, highlighting the academic achievements of the honored children, much to the delight of their proud parents.
Rosalind Lockwood, executive director of FLT Preparatory Academy and organizer of the award ceremony, celebrated the honorees’ dedication before presenting the special Furman L. Templeton Award.
Lockwood said the award “honors individuals who lead with conviction; Who advocate for children without hesitation, and who strengthen our schools community not for recognition, but because it is necessary
“We’re not just presenting an award, we are affirming the legacy of Furman L. Templeton is alive in this very room,” she said, before bestowing the award upon Deyane Moses, director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities.
Moses has spearheaded efforts to support students, families and the broader community around FLT Preparatory Academy as a community partner.
Deyane Moses, Afro Charities’ director of programs and partnerships, addressed the students, teachers, and parents at the event. Her remarks were encouraging as she discussed the life and legacy of Furman L. Templeton, as well as accepting the honorary award on behalf of Afro Charities. “History is all around you, and the legacy lives through you,” Moses said. “Together, we are keeping Furman Templeton’s dream alive and well.”
The program featured students showcasing their diverse talents, including dance and vocal performances. Among the performers, Jahzel Winkler delivered a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” alongside her duo partner, Junn Myers.
Students Junn Meyers and Jahzel Winkler perform “Greatest Love of All” By Whitney Houstion at the Furman L. Templeton Excellence Gala. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Troy Smith beams with pride as he holds his Excellence Award next to Assistant Principal Randolph Scott. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
De’Aandre Dingle’El shows off his Excellence Award. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Jameria Lewis addresses the crowd. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Brooklyn Pryor (front, left) accepts her Excellence Award from Principal Ladaisha Ballard, as Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (back, center) looks on. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Family and friends enjoy the program. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (left) and Principal Ladaisha Ballard (right) congratulate Kyng Parker (center) for his hard work. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields 
Deyane Moses (left) accepts an award from Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (center) and Principal Ladaisha Ballard (right) for her work as an amazing community partner on behalf of Afro Charities. Moses serves as director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities, the sister company of AFRO News that cares for and curates the AFRO Archives. The organization adopted Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy to foster community connections ahead of moving into the nearby Upton Mansion. Credit: All AFRO Photos / James Fields
Myers was not just a performer on the gala stage, but she was also recognized as a student with great academic achievement. She spoke about how inspired she was over the pin she had received, and how amazing it felt to receive this accomplishment.
“It’s really amazing and I really, really appreciate it,” said Myers. When speaking about her performance, she said her unwavering determination gave her the confidence to step up on the stage and perform, “I was really nervous at first, but I knew I could do it.”
Winkler, who wants to be a singer when she grows up, also spoke about her performance on the stage.
“I knew that If I stood up on the stage and sang, it would give me the opportunity to do the same in the future,” said Winkler.
Student awardees gathered on the gala stage towards the middle of the ceremony, accepting their awards with smiles on their faces and proud parents accompanying them. Also awarded were parents and staff who were recognized for their achievements.
Among those recognized was parent Shantell Brightful, who shared her feelings about receiving the honor alongside her son and what their awards meant to them.
“Me and his dad always try our best to make sure that he follows rules at home and at school, and it means a lot to be recognized,” said Brightful. This year was her son’s second year attending FLT Preparatory Academy and her first year as a parent volunteer.
“It’s great to be a part of a community, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt pinning ceremony, where parents gathered with their children to exchange carnations and special pins to honor the vital and supportive roles that families play in their children’s life.