DENMARK, SC, — Voorhees University proudly announces that two of its outstanding student-athletes, Omari Bryson and Armond Hopkins, have been named finalists for the 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Selected from more than 900 nominated student-athletes nationwide, Bryson and Hopkins are among just 10 male finalists recognized for their exceptional achievements both on and off the field. The honor is part of the annual Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars program, presented by The EDU Ledger, with the full list of honorees to be released on June 4, 2026.
Omari Bryson, a senior Business Administration major from Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a standout member of the Voorhees University men’s basketball team. Maintaining an impressive 3.75 cumulative GPA, Bryson has demonstrated excellence in the classroom while serving as a key contributor on the court and actively engaging in community service initiatives.
Armond Hopkins, a senior Biology major from Charlotte, North Carolina, competes in men’s outdoor track and field. Also holding a 3.75 cumulative GPA, Hopkins has distinguished himself through his athletic performance, academic discipline, and commitment to service, embodying the well-rounded excellence celebrated by this national recognition.
“This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the caliber of students we cultivate at Voorhees University,” said Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO of Voorhees University. “Omari and Armond exemplify ‘The Next Level of Excellence’ through their discipline, leadership, and commitment to making a difference beyond athletics. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and the national recognition they bring to our institution.”
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards honor undergraduate students who exemplify the values of the late tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe. In addition to athletic performance, recipients are selected based on academic achievement and community service involvement. One male and one female finalist will be named Sports Scholar of the Year.
Past Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars include notable figures such as Russell Wilson, Kara Lawson, Marshall Faulk, and Simone Manuel, highlighting the award’s legacy of recognizing individuals who go on to achieve excellence at the highest levels.
Voorhees University eagerly awaits the announcement of the 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year recipients in June and celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of Bryson and Hopkins as they continue to represent the institution with pride and distinction.