Orlando trailblazer, Edna S. Hargrett-Thrower will be honored by designating a portion of the roadway on Orange Blossom Trail in her memory.
During the 2012 Legislative Session, State Rep. Geraldine F. Thompson introduced legislation, HB 7039, which designates from Gore to Anderson Edna S. Hargrett-Thrower Avenue.
Thompson said, “when a person’s name is attached to a building or major roadway, it becomes a part of the history of a community and encourages people to ask who they were and why they are honored so significantly by the state of Florida. Edna S. Hargrett Thrower groomed young people in Central Florida for academic achievement and performance excellence. Her legacy continues and she is highly deserving of this recognition.”
Hargrett- Thrower was choral director at Jones High School for 33 years. She called her students “sugar lumps,” and to them she was “Mama Sugar Lump.” Hargrett-Thrower helped to eliminate barriers to the participation of African American students in musical activities in Orange County Public Schools. In competitions, her choruses consistently earned ratings of “superior” for their gospel and classical renditions. Many of her students received academic scholarships to attend college and are making outstanding contributions to society today. Hargrett Thrower was also recognized as the State of Florida Music Teacher of the year in 1998-99.
The road designation will be effective July 1.
I am forever a “Sugarlump”, still practicing the many lessons Mrs. Hargrett instilled and teaching them to my children. Her methods were instinctive, intuitive, and necessary from requiring certain grades to perform to charging money for tardiness. She not only increased our appreciation for the Arts, she made us continuously strive for perfection.
I that it is wonderful and is well deserved.
I was one of those “Sugar Lumps.” What a great tribute to a wonderful who touched and transformed so many lives. I will always remember auditioning to be a “singing tiger” and being a part of the “Sugar Lump” family. (Class of 79)
i will forever be a sugarlump too thanks ms h for all you taught me musically and about life
that was my comment
I was one of Mama Hargrett’s “Sugarlumps” In the Girl’s Ensemble, Chamber Singers and also a part of the Singing Tiger’s Album we produced. She was truly a gem!
She will always be in my heart! A “SUGARLUMP” Forever!