African American High School Recognition Ceremony
Registration

James Harris Jr., MD, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Born and raised in Fresno, California, during the height of the crack epidemic, he overcame poverty, instability, and violence to reach one of the world’s top medical institutions.

His viral video summarizing his life story has reached over 1.7 million views and inspired more than 30,000 followers on social media. Through mentorship, speaking, and writing, Dr. Harris has become a voice for resilience, transformation, and faith-driven perseverance.

His upcoming memoir, I Am Not Who I Once Was, reveals the man behind the white coat and offers hope to those who feel that their past disqualifies them from greatness.

 

We are a private, non-profit organization founded in 1913, whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The major programs of the Sorority are based upon the organization's Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: 

• Economic Development
• Educational Development
• International Awareness and Involvement
• Physical and Mental Health
• Political Awareness and Involvement

Chapter

The San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter was chartered on June 19, 1980 as the 661st Graduate Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Twelve women came together by linking hands with the community, civil rights groups, churches, educational institutions, social and business organizations - reuniting themselves in the true sisterhood of DST. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are college-educated women committed to excellence in higher education.

San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter

Executive Board

• President – Winnie L. Fletcher
• Vice President – Deenen L. Palmer
• Recording Secretary – Felicia Quarles-Treadwell
• Corresponding Secretary –  Christina M. Wells
• Financial Secretary – Ramia Bell
• Treasurer – Carla Milton

Purpose and Vision:

This ceremony celebrates the significant milestone of high school graduation for all students, with a special historic commitment to honoring the outstanding achievements of African American scholars. We recognize that every student's journey is unique, and their perseverance is a testament to their strength and capability.

Our goal is to foster a culture of excellence by intentionally highlighting the academic successes of students, ensuring every graduate feels seen and celebrated. This event serves to empower our college-bound youth and reinforce our community's unwavering support for their continued educational journeys.

Who Should Participate:

This event welcomes all graduating high school seniors to be recognized for their accomplishments. In keeping with a cherished cultural tradition, each participant will receive a certificate of achievement and a Kente Cloth, symbolizing wisdom, excellence, and a connection to a legacy of achievement.

Students who have achieved an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher will also receive an honor cord. To verify eligibility for an honor cord, please mail an official transcript to:
SJVA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
P.O. Box 11214
Fresno, CA 93772

IMPORTANT: ONLY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS CAN APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026

1. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (San Joaquin Valley Alumnae) Scholarship Application

Please note that applying for the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Scholarship will put students in the running for several other scholarships that will be awarded by the scholarship committee.

We provide the platform for community partners to give scholarships in their name to support higher education and success outcomes for our central valley youth. For a full list of all of our amazing sponsors, please see the “Our Sponsors” tab.

Fill Scholarship Application online or download the application here 

We provide the platform for community leaders and organizations to give scholarships in their name to support higher education and success outcomes of our central valley youth.

As a result of this work, over the past 5 years we have been approached by several community partners wanting to provide scholarships for students pursing higher education. To date we have awarded over $187, 000 in scholarships to students thanks to the overwhelming support from our community partners.

We would like to give your business/organization the opportunity to support your central valley graduating high school seniors by providing a scholarship for a deserving student. It is not a requirement to be a part of a business or organization to give a scholarship or make a donation. Any donation large or small is appreciated.

Examples of donation can include sponsoring a student participant in the amount of $16, books fees and tuition cost, $250-$2000 or greater.

To make your contribution more visible we are pleased to recognize your company/business in the African-American High School Recognition Program.

2026 Sponsorship Information Packet

Our Sponsors

• ABC 30    
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 
• BAPAC    
• Bulldog Scholarship  
• CalViva Health  
• Central Unified School District  
• Central Valley Black Nurses Association
• Central Valley Community Foundation
• Central Valley Education Foundation HBCU Scholarship
• Central Valley New Market Tax Credit
• City Councilmember Luis Chavez
• Clovis Unified School District  
• Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU)
• Dr. Jeffrey Curtis Future Educators Scholarship
• Drs. Robert and Edythe Stewart Scholarship
• Economic Opportunities Commission
• Emari's Village  
• George L Greene #118 Masonic Lodge
• Greater Heights  
• Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
• Fresno State African American Alumni Club
• Hendrix Higher Education Scholarship
• Huberto Herbie Ponce Jr. Memorial Scholarship
• Humphrey Family Scholarship  
• James Hunt Memorial Servant Leadership Scholarship
• King Rabetsimba Family Scholarship
• Kremen School of Education and Human Development
• Livewell Scholarship  
• Mildred Benson  
• Miller Family  
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Chi Nu Chapter
• Patrick D. Dantzler Commitment to Health Care Excellence Scholarship
• Phi Beta Sigma  
• President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval Office
• Earnestine Geneva Breazell Memorial Scholarship
• Steven & Stephanie Gay  
• Susan Curtis Kindness Scholarship
• Team Treadwell Goals & Values Guide Scholarship
• The Luke-Monroe Memorial Educational Scholarship
• The Robert W Sims Memorial Scholarship
• Tommy L. Barfield Dare to Dream
• Trustee Board Member Keshia Thomas
• Wells Scholarship  
• Willy James Whisenhunt R.Phd
  

You can also reach Sonja Wilson and Lisa Mitchell at  sjvaaarp@gmail.com or on Facebook at SJVAC Deltas-Fresno.

Address:
San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter
P.O. Box 11214
Fresno, CA 93772