Tis the season to be elected into office at Florida A&M University. The anticipation was high in the Grand Ballroom on Sunday, for the Declaration of Candidacy. This was a candidate's attempt to convince the student body one last time to gain final votes before they cast their ballots.
Running mates were given one minute to present a speech to the student body explaining why they should be chosen for office. Candidates will be completing for over eight positions, both major and minor, including Mr. and Miss. Orange and Green, and for the chance to be the next king and queen of the hill.
Deja Glover, a junior sociology major and contestant for 2017-2018 Miss Orange and Green believes if she is chosen, she will revive the spirit of FAMU.
“From my freshman year till now, people aren’t as active, people aren’t as willing to come out to games, events, you know… anything. So I feel like as queen of orange and green, I have things to offer at FAMU.”
Attendees that were still undecided about voting were able to not only listen to speeches and key platform points that focused on enhancing Florida A&M, but also meet the candidates face-to-face. Students like Aliyah Vanduynu, a senior social work major at FAMU, is seeking to elect someone that can be effective to the growth of the university.
“Especially with all the mess that the Student Government Association has gone through in the previous academic year, it’s really time for them to step up and prove what SGA is all about,” said Vanduynu.
Aja Evans, a first year pre-nursing student was excited to see everyone, but most importantly, as a voter, she is looking forward to vote for someone that will stand by their word.
“People that are willing to go talk to people…nice, kind spirited, that are really doing it for FAMU because they love our school and they generally care.”
Meanwhile, other students were in attendance to support their chosen candidate.
It was Jessie Louis’, a sophomore biology pre-med student at FAMU, first time at a declaration. She was excited to come out and cheer on her friends. Louis hopes that students will get involved in student elections to better prepare them for the United States’ general election.
“It prepares you for how it’s kinda going to look when we get to the outside world, when we have to vote for presidents, senators and mayors,” said Louis.
Voting is set to begin Tuesday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about student elections, visit the Office of Student Activities.
The following positions candidates are running for are:
Electoral Commissioner
Erin Fallen
Mikail Tim
Student Government Association President and Vice President
Marquise McMiller and William Gardner
Justin Bruno and Devin Harrison
Dajuh Sawyer and Bryon Carter
Sophomore Class President
Rebekah Hawkins
Darrell Smith
Sophomore Attendant
Sierra Beard
Jaelynn Ballard
Kyra Freeman
Junior Senator
Jaelen Jackson
Payge Williams
Asia Strong
Doney Eden
Briana Osborn
Taylor Young
Kenidee Webster
Hasani Myers
Senior Attendant
Serenity Roscoe
Shay Simon
King of Orange and Green
Damarcus Snipes
Bryton Legree
Queen of orange and Green
Deja Glover
JaKela London
Chelsea Maloney
Mr. FAMU
Jordan Sealey
Princeton Studstill
Osbee Sampson II
Miss. FAMU
Brianna Harmon
Michelle Johnson
Caitlyn Davis