On Oct. 7, Dream Hogan was crowned the 70th Miss Florida A&M University Developmental Research School for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Hogan, 17, was born and raised in Tallahassee by her father. She has attended FAMU DRS since the second grade and is involved in many organizations.
In addition to her role as Miss FAMU DRS, Hogan serves as the SGA vice president and is a member of the varsity cheerleading and flag football teams.
Before becoming Miss FAMU DRS, she served on the DRS royal court as the Queen of Orange and Green for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Running for Miss FAMU DRS was not initially her plan, but a conversation with former Miss FAMU DRS Kamya Ervin inspired her to run.
“All my years being at DRS, I never envisioned having that role, but I knew once I was Queen of Orange and Green that I was the next best person to run for Miss FAMU DRS,” Hogan said.
“Especially working with the 69th Miss FAMU DRS, she really sculpted me and helped me realize that I wanted to be just like her next year,” she added.
Hogan was elected Miss FAMU DRS before the academic year began. Still, it was not until she was crowned at the coronation that she realized the seriousness of her position.
“It never really stood out to me that I had a significant title, so when I walked up there and saw everyone clapping, I started crying happy and sad tears; it was a mixture of emotions,” Hogan said. “After hearing all the speeches of people shouting me out, I was like, ‘Wow, I really have an impact on people,’” she added.
Naveah Green, the student body president, and co-captain of the cheer team at FAMU DRS, has known Hogan for eight years and believes she was well-prepared for the role.
“I feel like she holds her title as Miss DRS superbly,” she said. “She is an exceptional public speaker, and her voice is distinguishable.”
Haylei Rackley, the 2023-2024 Queen of Orange and Green at FAMU DRS, has known Hogan since the sixth grade and describes her as the epitome of a true queen.
“She’s a brilliant and intelligent young Black queen, and that’s why I am happy she is in that position,” Rackley said. “She sets an example for all the young girls at the school who aspire to be the next Miss DRS.”
After high school, Hogan plans to attend Florida A&M University and major in health science with a concentration in physical therapy.
Her advice to the youth looking up to her is to strive for anything because you never know how it will have an impact on you.