September 12, 2025 -- The annual tie-tying ceremony at Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys (CCPSB), transcends beyond yearly custom—it’s a rite of passage. Scholars dress in crisp Oxford shirts with the CCPSB crest and black slacks. Each grade level is distinguished by their ties: sixth graders in maroon, seventh graders in black, and eighth graders in maroon-and-black stripes.
“Today’s tie-tying ceremony is more than a tradition, it is a reminder of who we are becoming,” CCPSB eighth grader Braylon Prysock-Glass said. “This year, our theme is Stronger Together. One Brotherhood. One Vision which connects with the district’s theme, Leaders Grown Here.”
Since 2010, the event has marked the start of each school year. Community leaders and family members join students, teaching them tie-tying while instilling lessons of discipline, pride, and brotherhood.
This year’s ceremony drew representatives from My Brother’s Keeper Columbus, Sigma 614 Foundation, Jameson Consulting Group, EPIC Youth, Heart of Job Foundation, The Bold Institute, along with Columbus City Schools (CCS) staff and local officials. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to mentorship, unity, and shaping the next generation of leaders.
Among the leaders was keynote speaker Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin. Hardin, a Columbus Alternative High School graduate who attended the all-male Morehouse College, emphasized why he has never missed a tie-tying ceremony since taking office. This year, the moment was especially meaningful — he proudly tied his nephew’s tie. His smile widening as the young scholar confidently showed he could do it himself.
Even before that personal exchange, Hardin underscored the deeper symbolism behind the tradition. Performing the simple act of tying a tie, he reminded the young men that it carried greater expectations.
“We’re going to turn to the young men in front of us and what that means is we’re going to have high expectations of you,” Hardin said. “We are going to expect excellence. We are going to expect leadership. We are going to expect you to be your brother’s keeper.”
From the podium, several other leaders reflected on their own CCS roots as they showcased unifying brotherhood. Karim Jackson, senior program officer of My Brother’s Keeper Columbus, introduced keynote speaker Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin while highlighting his Beechcroft pride. Troy Glover, a West High School alum and president of the Beta Omicron Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. led a call-and-response with the scholars, urging them to focus on “action, action, despite the distraction” and to lean on the men surrounding them. During the call to action, he encouraged the young men to seek counsel when going through troubling times.
“We’re here to support you in everything that you go through,” Glover said. “Understand that leaders grow here – where you are at this moment. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, we’re here to support you to do your very best each and every day.”
CCS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman echoed that message, underscoring the support system surrounding the scholars.
“This ceremony today represents what I like to call your circle of support—a tribe of great men who demonstrate that true leadership is always built together and never alone,” Chapman told CCPSB’s scholars. “Being a great leader is built through guidance, support, and encouragement. What makes this moment even more powerful are the strong men of this Columbus community who are present today.”
For CCPSB eighth grader Amar Harrison, participating in his third tie-tying ceremony prompted reflection on not only the leaders gathering to support him, but also on what it means for his sixth and seventh-grade peers.
“This is not just a fabric,” Harrison said. “This is a reminder to carry ourselves with purpose, live with accountability, show respect, walk in integrity, serve others, and always strive for excellence. This is how we grow as leaders.”
