District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Two scholar-athletes from Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy (UPREP) are taking their talents to the collegiate level after signing letters of intent to attend Kalamazoo College.

Semaj' Robertson will compete in both basketball and track, while Cam'Ran Jones will join the football program. Both scholars made their athletic mark at GRPS while playing for Ottawa Hills High School.

Robertson, who served as a captain for both the basketball and track teams, also excelled in the classroom with a remarkable 4.22 GPA.

“I am now able to do what I want to do at the next level," Robertson said at her signing ceremony. “It took hard work, support, motivation, discipline and being accountable.”

Jones played safety and wide receiver for the Bengals and was a consistent academic performer, earning recognition in the Bengal 3.0 Club, which honors athletes with a GPA above 3.0. Before his senior year, he spent part of the summer at Tuskegee University, a historically Black university in Alabama, gaining valuable academic and life experience.

“It means a lot to me to get a college degree for free and keep playing football," Jones said.

UPREP Principal Kenyatta Hill-Hall addressed the scholars during the celebration, offering words of encouragement.

“We can’t wait to see you bring your gifts and talents to Kalamazoo College and continue to make us proud,
" Hill-Hall said.