The Spring ISD Board of Trustees during its March regular meeting recognized Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., under the local leadership of Brian McLemore, for the organization’s work as a longstanding supporter of the district, its staff and students.

“There are many factors that contribute to a student’s academic and future success,” said Chief Communications Officer Shane Strubhart during his remarks at the meeting. “While we as educators focus on their scholastic ability, it is important that we also address their social and emotional needs. Mentoring is a great source of support for students, and it is our honor to recognize an outstanding community partner who has served our students for many years.”

Strubhart explained that Alpha Phi Alpha’s Houston-area Xi Eta Lambda chapter, with McLemore as its current president, has gone above and beyond in serving students in Spring ISD. Fraternity members have mentored students at Roberson Middle School for the past seven years. Prior to that, they mentored students at Westfield High School for many years, utilizing the organization’s signature “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” program – originally established in 1922 – which concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement.

Altogether, Alpha Phi Alpha – the country’s oldest intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men – has spent nearly 20 years working with district students, including offering college readiness workshops and college visits in addition to direct mentoring.

“They have introduced and reinforced skills that prepare our students for success both academically and in life,” Strubhart said. “They also participate in workshops that teach them valuable life skills such as time management, conflict resolution, and how to build positive and healthy relationships.”

McLemore thanked the trustees for honoring the group’s work and reiterated Alpha Phi Alpha and Xi Eta Lambda’s belief in the potential of students to thrive when given the chance and needed support.

“Alpha Phi Alpha promotes leadership, brotherhood, and academic excellence while providing advocacy and service for our communities,” McLemore said. “We are excited, we are honored, we are privileged, and we are happy that we have the opportunity to partner with Spring ISD.”

McLemore also praised the work of fellow fraternity member Charles Brown, who steers the committee that oversees the local chapter’s “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” initiative.

“We want to say thank you for this recognition,” McLemore added, “and we are excited about continuing working with Spring ISD.”

Board Secretary Kelly P. Hodges, who chairs the Board’s Community Engagement Committee, offered McLemore and his fellow fraternity members thanks on behalf of the district.

“On behalf of Spring ISD, our Board of Trustees and our senior leadership, I just want to thank you for all that you do, and we appreciate your support,” Hodges said. “Alpha Phi Alpha has been around since 1906, and it’s been doing great work in the community. We truly appreciate the impact that you’ve had on our students here in our Spring community.”