Bernard Jackson, a first-year alto saxophone player, serenaded patrons as they found their seats in

Bernard Jackson, a first-year alto saxophone player, serenaded patrons as they found their seats in the auditorium for the FAMU honors program Wednesday in Perry-Paige Auditorium. After the entrance of the esteemed Royal Court, Brian Waritay, graduate of the School of Business and Industry started the program.Trenton Kirksey presented the greetings and occasion in place of Student Government Association President Gallop Franklin. All bowed their heads in reverence as Ashley Sanks, a second-year biology pre-medicine student, followed Kirksey with a prayer.Genae Smith, a first-year graphic communication student represented the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. Smith had the honor of introducing the convocation’s keynote speaker, MaKeba S. Earst. As a FAMU alumna and Tallahassee native with a family history of Rattlers, Earst glowed at her homecoming, rousing the Rattler spirit throughout the auditorium. Earst is a general practitioner of dentistry and owner of All About Smiles Dental Center. After an instrumental selection, Earst gave an inspirational account of how the Honors Week theme, “Critical Thinking in Action,” has helped her in her career. She was also presented with the President’s Award presented by the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Barbara Thompson.Emma Waters Dawson, director of the Honors Program, prepared the recognition for students in the University Honors Programs. A dean or representative from each school and college was on hand to present students with a framed certificate of achievement.Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris and honors students were acknowledged for their participation.