The tribute highlighted King's significant impact on both students and staff. Principal Mr. Trey Hosford shared personal reflections on King's dedication, emphasizing his consistent presence and positive influence throughout the halls of CHS. Cordez Markeith King was more than a substitute; he was a fixture whose kindness and commitment to the students left a lasting mark on the Fighting Tiger family.

The podcast interview was conducted by Cordez's godmother, Mrs. Bernice Presley.

Join us as we learn all about the mighty sun!

Aired September 13, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL 

The episode also features an interactive nursery rhyme segment, where everyone can sing along and learn new rhymes.

Aired July 5, 2025 on 107.9 FM WUAF

Originally aired June 19, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL.

In this special Hour of Excellence episode, we celebrate Father’s Day and honor the powerful history behind Juneteenth! Listeners will enjoy fun facts about Father's Day and explore the important role fathers play in our lives. 

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Through age-appropriate stories and songs, kids will learn why June 19th is a day of freedom, pride, and celebration in African American history.

Originally aired June 14, 2025, on 107.9FM WUAF Lake City, FL

Originally aired May 31, 2025, on 107.9FM WUAF Lake City, FL

Florida Emancipation Day is celebrated annually on May 20, commemorating the proclamation of emancipation in Tallahassee on that date in 1865. This date marks the end of slavery in Florida, eleven days after the Civil War ended and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. 

Happy Emancipation Day, Lake City and Columbia County, FL. 2025. Celebrating 160 Years of Freedom.

Many enslaved African Americans in Columbia County, upon being set free, married in mass. Weddings for those who were enslaved were generally only recognized on the plantation and not in the legal system, so 25 couples took the chance to legally become husband and wife. A Justice of the Peace in Gainesville named Fryer offered to wed all freedmen, and a group from Columbia County went to his home. He provided a barrel of free lemonade and refreshments. The newlyweds danced and partied all night long at the judge’s house because of the distance they had to travel.

Their wedding day offered local freedmen their first real taste of freedom. ~ Florida Emancipation Day with Dr. Christopher M. Esing.

The Hour of Excellence is a dynamic, engaging educational podcast designed especially for curious and ambitious kids! Each episode delivers a fun mix of knowledge and inspiration, featuring:

These kid-friendly lessons on the stock market and the S&P 500 help young listeners understand money, investing, and the economy.

Exciting Japanese language segments, where kids learn basic vocabulary, fun phrases, and cultural insights.

 Fascinating history lessons that bring major events and important figures to life.

 Bonus content like trivia, fun facts, and mini-challenges to keep kids thinking and growing.

With a focus on excellence, discovery, and real-world learning, Hour of Excellence is where young leaders start their journey toward greatness.

Website: https://wovainc.org. The Women of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to honoring the dignity and quality of life of all veterans and their families by eliminating barriers to opportunities. Every Veteran and their family will have the opportunity to receive education, available resources, and counseling to enhance their lives. 

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL March 26, 2025

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL on March 19, 2025

Originally aired on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, Florida March 12, 2025

This episode is part of the "STEM at Home" series, which aims to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into daily family activities. The series encourages families to explore educational and enjoyable practices at home by combining health and wellness topics with STEM concepts.

Originally aired March 8, 2025, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL

In her upcoming podcast episode, Pastor Curry will delve into women’s history, sharing insights and stories that highlight the significant contributions of women throughout time.

Alonzo’s leadership journey began at Columbia High School, where he was elected Class President for all four years. During his high school tenure, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and served as Vice President of the National Achievers Society, underscoring his academic excellence and leadership capabilities.

Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Alonzo has gained valuable ministerial experience through internships at prominent churches. He served as an intern at The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. William E. Flippin and at The House of Hope Atlanta under Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr. These experiences have enriched his pastoral skills and deepened his commitment to faith-based community service.

His voice has reached far beyond the church walls, as he has been invited to speak at significant events and organizations. He was honored to speak at the 15th Annual MLK Praise and Worship Service in Lake City, Florida, in January 2024. Additionally, his impact was recognized by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Atlanta, where he was invited to share his message of faith, justice, and empowerment.

Through his work in ministry, leadership, and community engagement, Alonzo Brinson continues to inspire and uplift those my around the him, embodying the values of Morehouse College.

In this engaging and educational episode of The Hour of Excellence Radio, young listeners are introduced to Black Heritage. The episode combines storytelling, music, and activities to educate and inspire.

Original Air Date: January 11, 2025

107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL

In this engaging and educational episode of The Hour of Excellence Radio, young listeners are introduced to the life, legacy, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Designed with kids in mind, the program combines storytelling, music, activities, and powerful excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches to inspire and educate.

Original Air Date: January 11, 2025

107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL

In this engaging and educational episode of The Hour of Excellence Radio, young listeners are introduced to the life, legacy, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Designed with kids in mind, the program combines storytelling, music, activities, and powerful excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches to inspire and educate.

In this special holiday episode, we bring the magic of Christmas to life with a special guest—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! 

Aired: December 7, 2024, on 107.9 FM WUAF Lake City, FL 

Today's speaker is Chief Gerald Butler, Chief of Police in Lake City, Florida.

Occupation: Production Supervisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions

Age: 39

Education: BS Degree: Health Care Administration from Florida A & M University

Campaign website: parnell4district1.com

Mr. Rosenthal has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Military Science from Loyola University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University. He is an ICMA-credentialed manager and a Certified Public Manager.

Email: CityManagement@lcfla.com

Phone Number: (386) 719-5784

Featuring Violist, Sage

Born and raised in Columbia County District 1. Strong family and community values. 

Email: Parnelldistrict1@gmail.com

Website: Parnell4district1.com

Glynnell and Bernice Presley are models of excellence. For over 60 years they served Columbia County Florida as educators, humanitarians and civil rights activists. They are responsible for numerous after-school programs, and tutorial programs for the youth of Columbia County. 

Travel through time with outstanding dignitaries Frederic Douglas, Rakeem Amerson, Travis George and Aersino Perry. 

18 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville,FL

352-372-2537

chestnutfh.com 

For one hundred years or more, Chestnut Funeral Home, Inc., has been serving the Gainesville, Alachua County, and North Central Florida areas. They stand on the principal of Charles S. Chestnut, Sr.; who believed in the “Code of Good Funeral Practice”.

MAIN OFFICE

971 W. Duval St., Ste 102, Lake City, FL 32055-3728

PHONE: (386) 758-1026 | HOURS: Mon-Fri., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

BRANCH OFFICE

17579 SW SR 47, Ft. White, FL 32038

PHONE: (386) 497-1293 | HOURS: Tues, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Contact information:

phone:386-758-1083 fax: 386-758 2131

email: contact@ccpafl.com Mail: Columbia County Property Appraiser

135 NE Hernando Ave.

Suite 238

Lake City, Florida 32055 Website: https://columbia.floridapa.com

Columbia County Florida 

135 NE Hernando Ave #125. Lake City FL 32055

columbiataxcollector.com

Travel through time with outstanding dignitaries Frederic Douglas, Rakeem Amerson, Travis George and Aersino Perry. 

Music - "Never Lost" by CeCe Winans

Music - "Never Lost" by CeCe Winans

Dr. Omair Tahir, MD

Pulmonology

General Pulmonary Medicine 

Critical Care Medicine

Mayo Clinic Florida

4500 San Pablo Rd S Jacksonville, FL 32224

We will discuss some common mental health challenges that children and young people may face.

We will also talk about some ways to cope with these challenges and how to seek help if needed.

It is important to remember that seeking help for mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many people who can help, such as parents, teachers, school counselors, and mental health professionals.

We will delve into the misconceptions and stigma surrounding autism and discuss the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Our guest will share inspiring stories of people with autism who have achieved great success and contributed to society in significant ways.

We will also discuss the role of education, research, and advocacy in creating a more inclusive and accepting world for people with autism. The episode will conclude with practical advice for individuals and organizations looking to support the autism community.

We feature examples of songs that are popular with young children because we believe storytelling can help children develop empathy, emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. 

In the final segment of the episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Joseph Bologne, also known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Bologna was born in the French colony of Guadeloupe in 1745, the son of a wealthy plantation owner and his enslaved mistress. Despite facing discrimination due to his mixed race, Bologne excelled as a musician and became a renowned composer, violinist and conductor in 18th-century Europe.

We explore Bologne’s early years in Guadeloupe, his education in France and his rise to fame as a musical prodigy. We also delve into Bologne’s role as a cultural figure in pre-revolutionary France, where he was a favorite of Queen Marie Antoinette and a prominent member of the Parisian social scene. Despite facing racism and discrimination throughout his life, Bologna preserved and broke down barriers in the classical music world, paving the way for future generations of Black musicians. 

Sources: 

The Extraordinary Life of Joseph Bologne -- The VITA Chevalier Project

Gracie’s Corner

Former Secretary of the Moderators Auxiliary of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Retired Baptist Pastor, the first student to integrate Lake City Jr College (LCCC) and Forest Ranger School in 1964.

Outstanding Dignitary from Lake City, FL.

She earned a Juris Doctor, Law from Florida A&M University in 2022. Her activities and societies included  Student Bar Association (SBA) President 2021-2022, Student Bar Association (SBA) 2L Representative and Secretary 2020-2021, National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) National Parliamentarian 2021-2022, Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Chapter Vice-President, 2020-2021, If/When/How Reproductive Justice Treasurer, 2020-2021, Office of Admissions and Recruitment Student Ambassador.