<\/a>
\nKachelle Pratcher
\nStaff Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Freshmen students have started their journey into academics and campus life at Jackson State University.
\nDays of campaigning, dorm bliss, and posting flyers in the residence halls are finally over and the ballots are in. Mr and Miss Freshman, Kedric Hayes and Ruqayya Calmes were voted by their peers to represent \u2018the Class of 2017.
\nMr. Freshman, Kedric Hayes is a biology major from Grenada, Miss. and chose to represent the class council as king because he felt it would be a great way to be an ambassador and lend a helping hand.
\n\u201cAs Mr. Freshman, I plan to implement my platform, Project X, which stands for Project eXcellence. It focuses on the life of an average college freshman and the pursuit of excellence in all areas but more so the balance of academics and a social life,\u201d said Hayes.
\nMiss Freshman, Ruqayya Calmes is a chemistry pre-dentistry major from Byram, Miss. but is an Arkansas native. As a campus queen, Calmes hopes to become closer to classmates and other Jackson State family.
\n\u201cNot only did I believe that I would be a great representative for my wonderful class of 2017, but I also believe that it would be a great opportunity to serve my community through this position. I have always been passionate about being a great server in my community,\u201d said Calmes.
\nEach had specific reasons for choosing JSU.
\n\u201cI love everything about my HBCU!!! From the superior academic opportunities, to the joyful noise of the Boom down the plaza, and the excitement and service of the many campus organizations,\u201d said Hayes. \u201cIn my opinion Jackson State University is the epitome of an HBCU. With that being said I don\u2019t just attend Jackson State, I love my dear ole college home.\u201d
\nCalmes said: \u201cI\u2019m going to be honest. Jackson State wasn\u2019t my first choice. However, it has been a positive learning experience for me since I\u2019ve been a part of this institution. It wasn\u2019t my first choice, but it is my best.\u201d
\nBoth Mr. and Miss Freshman hope to gain leadership skills and learn from the other kings and queens to become great role models and better young women and men. They are also involved in the campus and community.
\nCalmes and Hayes have participated in all three Freshman Welcome Week community service activities which included cleaning up the Perkin\u2019s Center, organizing books at Operation Shoestring, and sorting clothes at the Good Samaritan Center.
\nWhen asked how they spend their free time Hayes said: \u201cI love all sports but particularly baseball, basketball, and football. I really enjoy the community service events that Jackson State has planned for us already so I\u2019m excited about that. I have a variety of on campus organizations I\u2019m interested in.\u201d
\nCalmes stated: \u201cWhenever I have leisure, I take time doing things I enjoy such as painting, drawing, dancing, modeling, and spending time with my friends. If my schedule allows me to join other organizations, I will. I\u2019m not sure exactly what I want to join.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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