Uncrowned Community Builders

Ophelia A. Nicholas, retired educator, was the first African American female to become a principal in the Buffalo Public School system in 1969. There she served for over 31 years, 23 years as a principal, three years as assistant principal, and three years as a teacher. Mrs. Nicholas received both her baccalaureate and master's degrees from the University at Buffalo (UB), also serving on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association.

Over the years, Mrs. Nicholas has received numerous educational, public service and appreciation awards for her life accomplishments. Some of those include the Heritage of Caring Award; an award of appreciation from the Buffalo Area Council of Churches; Phi Beta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Greater Buffalo Red Cross' Outstanding Service Awards, etc.

Mrs. Nicholas is an active member of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church and was former board member of the Beechwood Continuing Care over 18 years. Moreover, she has been an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 44 years where she served as past president of the Gamma Kappa Chapter from 1961-1962.