Message from the President
Celebrating 40 Years of Service
Rewinding the Past, Redefining the Future
For 40 years, Jewett Alumni Association, Inc. and Jewett Education Foundation, Inc. have been a living, breathing force in the Winter Haven community. Our work has never been about spotlight or recognition — it has been about quiet, consistent dedication to improving the lives of children and promoting Black Excellence. As we often say, achievement is often anonymous, and some of the greatest contributions come from those who serve without applause.
This year brought challenges that tested and shook our foundation. We lost our Vice Chair — our backbone, our file cabinet, and our beloved friend — Pastor Deldrick Leonard. If a foundation stands on four corners, we lost two of ours. The loss of our Vice Chair, Pastor Deldrick Leonard, left a void that felt like losing a lung. And while a person can survive with one lung, their ability to perform is greatly reduced. JAA/JEF, Inc is no different. To continue serving our children with excellence, we must breathe at full capacity again.
This moment has made one truth clear: change must take place. We cannot serve today’s community with yesterday’s structure. To meet the needs of today’s youth, JAA/JEF, Inc is evolving into a broader, community-centered organization that welcomes younger generations, builds partnerships with schools, businesses, and civic groups, and modernizes our image through stronger communication and a consistent brand.
Through this evolution, our mission remains unchanged — but our reach must expand.
Wolverine Family, you are our DEI, our Affirmative Action, and our number-one financial supporter. You have always breathed life into this organization, and today we ask you to continue that charge. Our children cannot afford for us to operate at half strength. They deserve the full power of our 40-year legacy — and the future we are building together. With your support, JAA/JEF, Inc. will honor its past, embrace its present, and rise stronger for at least 40 more generations to come. Thank you, and let’s continue to work together globally as one Wolverine Family — united in purpose, grounded in legacy, and committed to expanding our impact across the world.
Respectfully
Sherry N. Bryant
JAA/JEF, Inc Executive Chairman