The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Pi Lambda Chapter, honored two area high school seniors and three superintendents at its first annual scholarship banquet Saturday evening in honor of the late educator and chapter founder, John D. Taylor.

Selma High senior Jeremy Blake and Keith High senior Roy Rayford were each honored with a $500 scholarship. Dallas County Superintendent Fannie McKenzie, Selma City Superintendent Don Jefferson and Perry County Superintendent John Heard, were also honored by the organization for their outstanding leadership in education.

Labarron Mack, district director, said providing scholarship opportunities is what the fraternity is all about.

“Scholarship is our staple,” Mack said. “Anytime we can have the opportunity to give back to young people and help them get the chance to have a good education is a good thing.”

Mack said Taylor, whom the scholarship was named for, spent more than 40 years in the Selma City School System as an educator and principal. He prided himself in education.

“Taylor served in every capacity within the fraternity — from secretary to president,” Mack said. “He was our scholarship chairman for more than 30 years.”

Charles H. Johnson Sr., chaplain for the fraternity, agrees.

“Taylor made sure money was always in the (general) fund, often giving his own money to the fraternity,” Johnson said. “This event is very important and we want to help the students who may fall through the cracks an opportunity to go to college.”

Eddie R. Johnson, Deputy State Superintendent of Education, was the guest speaker. Johnson, who serves on the Board of Trustees for Stillman College and  is executive director of the Capstone Society at the University of Alabama, encouraged attendees to leave a legacy.

“What matters most to you?” Johnson said. “Children are our future. We must be creative and do something that truly matters.”

The banquet was held at the historic St. James Hotel.