Royal court more than pretty smiles

The sound of applause fills the air as heads turn to see the newest arrivals. Smiling and waving to those in the distance, the members of FAMU’s royal court make their entrance. If the presidential ambassadors represent the scholarly side of FAMU, the royal court represents the university’s aesthetic side. “The royal court represents the beauty and richness of our black people,” said Tisa Holley. Holley served as the 2001-02 junior class attendant and is currently the student body vice-president. FAMU’s royal court consists of Mr. and Miss FAMU, King and Queen of Orange and Green, graduate class attendant, senior class attendant, junior class attendant, sophomore class attendant, freshman class attendant and their royal escorts. It is the job of the royal court to officially represent FAMU in a positive manner at official and unofficial functions both on and off campus. Off campus, the court travels with the university to special occasions and out-of town engagements. Those at an away football game are likely to see the royal court in action. On many occasions, the royal court participates in student recruitment fairs held in various cities in the United States. At these events, members of the court interact with prospective students and eagerly answer questions about life at FAMU. For some high school students, college is a dream not quite realized. According to Holley, it’s great to be able to inspire young people to go after their dream of attending college. While they may be seen leading Rattlers in a chant or even ‘kang-wang’ing’ on the sideline, the King and Queen of Orange and Green do more than just encourage school spirit. They do business suits and dress shoes just as much as they do their t-shirts and tennis shoes. Last year’s King of Orange and Green, Aaron Berry, admits he didn’t realize how many roles he’d have to play as king. Berry who considers himself a well-rounded person said he didn’t have much trouble accepting the challenge. “I love to have fun and cut up,” he said, “but when there’s a time to be serious, I can do that too.” To freshmen who may one day consider running for a position on the court, Holley said they should always remain themselves. “Be original! Do something different,” Berry added. He also said the earlier a candidate starts fundraising and composing a campaign team, the easier it’s going to be later. “Individuals who are humble, energetic, willing to learn and flexible are good candidates for the royal court,” Holley said. In addition, a student must have good time-management skills to be able to handle the responsibilities of the royal court, she added. Berry agrees with Holley and offered some advice that he said freshmen can apply to their upcoming years at FAMU. “The key is using your time wisely,” he said. “It’s there. It’s just a matter of how you use it.”