The return of a 1980 honors graduate from Port St. Joe High School, who rose to the presidency of Florida A&M University, highlighted last weekend’s celebration in St. Joe of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
After leading a parade as grand marshal, Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., accompanied by his wife Wendy, delivered remarks in a giant tent in front of the Washington High School, the site of the day-long event that extended into Sunday morning with a Juneteenth Gospel Fest.
Beard spoke glowingly of his youth growing up in St. Joe, and of the many nurturing influences, from teachers, coaches, friends and neighbors, who gave him the tools to shape a successful career…