Kachelle Pratcher
Staff Writer
Freshmen students have started their journey into academics and campus life at Jackson State University.
Days 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 ‘the Class of 2017.
Mr. 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.
“As 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,” said Hayes.
Miss 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.
“Not 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,” said Calmes.
Each had specific reasons for choosing JSU.
“I 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,” said Hayes. “In my opinion Jackson State University is the epitome of an HBCU. With that being said I don’t just attend Jackson State, I love my dear ole college home.”
Calmes said: “I’m going to be honest. Jackson State wasn’t my first choice. However, it has been a positive learning experience for me since I’ve been a part of this institution. It wasn’t my first choice, but it is my best.”
Both 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.
Calmes and Hayes have participated in all three Freshman Welcome Week community service activities which included cleaning up the Perkin’s Center, organizing books at Operation Shoestring, and sorting clothes at the Good Samaritan Center.
When asked how they spend their free time Hayes said: “I 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’m excited about that. I have a variety of on campus organizations I’m interested in.”
Calmes stated: “Whenever 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’m not sure exactly what I want to join.”
