Awards

The Dr. Joseph Draper Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to our Atlanta community through selfless acts of service. This honor is named after Dr. Joseph Draper, a distinguished graduate of Morehouse College in 1957. During his time at Morehouse, Dr. Draper focused on Sociology as his major and Education as his minor. He was actively engaged in the Organized Veterans of Morehouse College and was a proud member of the American Legion Post 574. His commitment to academic excellence led to his induction into the Alpha Kappa Delta National Sociological Honor Society.

Dr. Draper continued his educational journey at Atlanta University, where he achieved a Master of Arts degree in 1965, a Specialist in Education degree in 1972, and a Doctorate in Education in 1985.

Upon graduation from Morehouse, Dr. Draper embarked on a long and distinguished career within the Atlanta Public School System. He began as a dedicated teacher, quickly proving himself as a talented and compassionate educator. His exceptional abilities earned him promotions, first as an Administrative Assistant, then as a Principal, and eventually as a Director. In his role as Director, he assumed responsibility for Environmental Services across the Atlanta Public Schools.

Dr. Draper's commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. He also served in the U.S. Military during the Korean War and continued his service as a reserve officer until retiring at the rank of Major. Additionally, he served as the Associate Executive Director of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association for more than three years.

Dr. Draper was an active participant in the greater Atlanta community, contributing to various organizations. He served on the board of directors for the Butler Street YMCA, chaired the Southside Branch Board of Managers, and directed the Skyline Civitan Club.

Throughout his life, Dr. Joseph Draper remained an engaged and supportive alumnus of Morehouse College, the Morehouse Atlanta Metro Alumni Chapter, and the National Alumni Association. His legacy of service continues to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps.

The Mangham Mentorship Award honors individuals who have passionately mentored and guided young people in their pursuit of educational and professional excellence.

Marvin C. Mangham, Sr. (March 22, 1919 - November 26, 1978) was Born in Pike County, Georgia. Mangham emerged from humble beginnings as the youngest son of a sharecropper family. He later relocated to Atlanta, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1937.

Educational Journey: Marvin embarked on his educational journey by attending Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) after high school, but financial difficulties forced him to discontinue his studies. His path took a different turn when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, where he courageously served in the European Theater.

The College Years: With the support of the G.I. Bill, Marvin returned to his educational aspirations, enrolling at Morehouse College. In 1948, he proudly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his time at Morehouse, Mangham showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by selling pies and cakes across the campus, earning him the affectionate nickname 'The Pie Man'.

Family Life: Mangham's personal life blossomed as he married Delores Winkfield, who worked in the Registrar's office at Morehouse. Together, they raised two children, Marvin Jr. ('69) and Lolita Saxon (Spelman '72).

Professional Journey: Mangham's professional journey included a 12-year tenure as an insurance agent at several agencies in Atlanta and Houston. He climbed the ranks to become an agency manager before transitioning to federal government employment, where he served for 18 years until his retirement in 1978, with his most significant role being with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Community and Fraternity: Mangham was deeply involved in his community and remained an active member of First Congregational Church. His commitment to education extended to his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, which he joined while at Morehouse. He maintained his active involvement with the fraternity throughout his life. Additionally, he was a member of the Pine Acres Town and Country Club.

Devotion to Morehouse College: Mangham's heart was undeniably tied to Morehouse College. His association with the Atlanta Morehouse Club began in the late 1950s and eventually led to his appointment as Treasurer in the late 1960s, a role he held until his passing. He also played a pivotal role in the Morehouse College Torchbearers. The annual Morehouse events, such as the Christmas Concert and Homecoming, were cherished family traditions. Beyond that, Marvin was a tireless recruiter within his community, actively encouraging young men to consider Morehouse College. Through his involvement with the Atlanta Morehouse Club and the Morehouse College Torchbearers, Mangham mentored countless young men, leaving an enduring legacy of guidance and mentorship that continues to impact their lives positively.

The Leaphart Fatherhood Award is presented to a local father who is stalwart in his commitment to children while maintaining a successful balance between his personal, professional, and family life.

Dr. Wilbur T. Leaphart is a noted educator in the Atlanta area. He came to Atlanta from Waycross, Georgia to attend Morehouse College. After graduating from Morehouse in 1958, Dr. Leaphart went on to obtain a Masters of Education degree at the University of Florida and later a Doctor of Education degree from Clark Atlanta University. He then moved on to roles as an assistant principal and principal in middle and high schools in Atlanta, eventually retiring as a Secondary Division Adminisrator with Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Leaphart also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Clark Atlanta University.

Throughout the years, Dr. Leaphart proved himself to be a tireless servant pf those in his community and profession. He has held membership and leadership positions with such organizations as the National Education Association, the Georgia Association of Educators, the Atlanta Association of Educators, and the Georgia Association of Education Leaders. He served on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Teachers Federal Credit Union and the Board of Management of the Southeast Branch of the Metropolitan YMCA.

For over 50 years, he was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Leaphart was the chairman of Atlanta's Eta Omega chapter scholarship committee, which annually awards scholarships to Atlanta-area high school seniors.

Dr. Leaphart served as a president of the Atlanta Metro chapter of Morehouse College National Alumni Association. He was often be found at the forefront of the chapter's fundraising and scholarship efforts. He was honored on the national level with the Morehouse College National Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award in 2002, and he also received Morehouse College's Presidential Award of Distinction in 2010.

A Christian and family man above all, Dr. Leaphart was married to his bride, Shirley Leaphart, for nearly 50 years. Together, they raised two sons, Gergory T. and Brian T. Leaphart. They also had three grandchildren; Malik, Brittany, and Ajani. The Leapharts were very active members of Radcliff Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. In 2010, Radcliff Presbyterian awared Dr. Leaphart as the Churchman of the year.