Miss FAMU hopeful Kim Pate thought Tuesday’s rain would keep voters away from the polls.
Aziza Bowser wasn’t sure if the “Genesis” campaign could withstand competition from three other presidential tickets.
Both managed to make it into Thursday’s run-off elections.
Veterans of the Royal Court and sorority sisters, Pate and Ashia Everett will face each other in the runoff. Everett dispelled rumors that running against her soror would destroy both of their chances to advance in the upcoming election.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Everett, a business administration student from Tallahassee. “We’re both very qualified candidates.”
Teddy Goyins and DeAndre Etherly secured their spots on the Royal Court for Mr. FAMU and King of Orange and Green respectively.
Goyins, a business administration student from Voorhees, N.J., said he is ready to not only recruit but also reach out to the surrounding university community. He plans to implement a youth golf program and make the Black Archives a tourist attraction, among other goals.
“I want to also focus on issues outside our community because it all affects our university,” he said. “There won’t be Mr. FAMU making Ted Goyins, but Ted Goyins making Mr. FAMU.”
Bowser and running mate Travis Williams said they would have to campaign hard in order to oust competitors Larry Rivers and Virgil Miller, but remain hopeful. Bowser and Williams trail Rivers and Miller by 476 votes.
“I have faith and that’s all that matters,” said Bowser, 21, a senior political science student from Gainesville. “We’re about the students and we’re coming out on top.”
Despite having a lead going into Thursday’s runoff, Rivers said he isn’t taking anything for granted and will work to get students back to the polls.
“This is one final round before the ultimate day of judgment,” he said. “We (Rivers and Miller) have to go back and make sure every student gets back out there.”
Making it to the run-off election came as a special gift for Pate, who celebrated her 21st birthday Tuesday, but she has no plans to celebrate yet. Down by 181 votes, the junior psychology student from Memphis said she will continue to campaign.
Thursday’s run-off elections will decide the winners for seven positions.
“It’s a blessing to be here,” Pate said. “But it’s not over yet.”