Rattlers unite to clean up after homecoming

While Florida A&M alumni, friends and family were traveling back home, FAMU rattlers ended the thrill of homecoming week by cleaning up the trash that accumulated on and around campus.

Dozens of students had the opportunity to participate in reviving the campus and gaining community service hours in the “Rattler Fever Campus Clean Up” event that began on The Set and ended at Bragg Stadium.

The annual nevent is held Sunday as a final celebration to end homecoming week.

“We want our campus to look good, so we have to make sure that we make it look good,” said Allahandro Bradford, a junior political science student from West Palm Beach, Fla., and junior class president.

Students helped to clean FAMU’s campus while listening to music from a local DJ and smelling the savory aroma of food being prepared by vendors in the parking lot next to the Jake Gaither gym.

“It’s great having everyone come together one last time in a service effort,” said Student Body Vice President Evan Bailey. “Students and organizations came out to collaborate towards bettering our university.”

Many organizations such as Sistus Inc., Big Sister Little Sister and Big Brother Little Brother were present.

Tayllor Payne, a freshman philosophy student from Port Saint Lucie, Fla., and member of Big Sister Little Sister, expressed how important this event was to her.

“I wouldn’t want people walking around throwing trash everywhere, so I’ll pick it up because I want this campus to be nice,” Payne said. “This is where I live.”

Bailey said there was a good turnout this year, and this clean up holds a major purpose.

“I think it embodies the true spirit of being a Rattler,” Bailey said. “We had a great time (during homecoming) and we partied, but it’s also important to fulfill your service as well.”

Tatyana Franklin, a junior criminal justice student from Tallahassee, walked along Wahnish Way with a bright orange garbage bag in one hand and trash grabber in the other.

“I like to keep my campus clean, so I’m out here doing it,” Franklin said.