Gallop Franklin and Calvin Hayes were announced student body president and vice president at 1:30 a.m. this morning.
After a week of campaigning and vying for votes, the team was very happy for their victory.
“I’m very, very excited. After the results were called I had a conversation with the current student body president,” said Student Body President-Elect Franklin. “I’m trying to meet with him Thursday and start developing the transition team and getting out applications to start picking out cabinet.”
Although Franklin is happy about his victory, he said that running for the position was tough.
“Running was very stressful and tiresome, but its preparation for what’s set. I enjoyed it. It was a great process. I’m ready to get to work,” Franklin said. “It feels really great. That’s my entire goal, to protect the legacy of FAMU.”
Student Body Vice President-elect Calvin Hayes was content about his victory, this is his third time running for a position; he said he learned more from this victory than past elections.
“I learned more about the university, I’ve grown and developed as a person and actually understand the details of what it takes to hold office on a great campus such as this one,” Hayes said.
Supporters for Franklin and Hayes were ecstatic about their victory.
“This is my first experience,” said Kevin Dagrin, 19, a freshman business administration student from Orlando. “I was helping out Calvin and Gallop. I’m so happy they won and hope they do the things they said they would do.”
Amidst the excitement, a run-off between Chelsea Matthews and Demetria Henderson was announced. Many students expected the run-off to occur.
“I expected it,” said Ashley Wright, 18, freshman elementary education student from Ft. Lauderdale. “I thought it was good and both of them are good candidates. I’m looking forward to the elections.”
Henderson was overwhelmed with the announcement and could not comment due to a rush of emotions.
Chelsea Matthews said she is determined to win in the run-offs.
“Its time to work as hard as I’ve ever worked,” Matthews said. “I’ve wanted this all my life. I’m not going to sleep and I’m not going to eat until I know I’ve made it 100 percent.”
Matthews who has so far assessed 40 demerits, after 50 a candidate is disqualified.
“Everyday I wake up, they tell me I’m disqualified,” Matthews said. “Everyday I wake up they give me points, but at the end of the day, the battle is not mine, it’s the Lord’s. The truth prevails.”