William H. Kelly III
Editor-in-Chief
The Jackson State University graduating class of 2020 is swiftly making their mark on campus in many ways, including vying for Student Government Association (SGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB), and Royal Court positions.
The election and campaigning process stirred up much anticipation but was finally settled on Aug. 19 in the Walter Payton Recreational Center.
Shortly before the “Meet The Greeks” event began, which was hosted by the JSU National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), the 2016-2017 winners were announced for SGA, CAB, and lastly the Royal Court. Screams of joy filled the recreation center as Grant Broadway, a biology major from Little Rock, Ark. and Tyhler Battle, a chemistry major from Saint Louis, Mo. were introduced as the newly crowned Mr. and Miss Freshman.
“I’m really elated to be elected. There are really no true words to describe how this feels. I feel like I’m in the position to make change for everybody in the class. I feel like with the help of everybody that I can get everybody the requirements they need as far as community service. I plan on having a big impact on the freshman class,” said Broadway.
Battle continued by sharing her perspective on being elected.
“I feel honored and I feel so blessed because I worked really hard to try to get to know my class in such a small time frame, like a week, that was so hard. I’m so excited to see what happens now. I’m excited for the games, excited to do the volunteering projects,” said Battle.
Both Broadway and Battle found their passion to vie for their position during their summer bridge experience.
“I went to Summer Bridge and Miss JSU from last year spoke to us about how she cried when she lost Miss Freshman and that actually made me want to run for it because it seems like she had fun and I had so much fun campaigning,” said Battle.
While neither Broadway nor Battle had actual platform acronyms, they still had a purpose and objective.
“I plan on reaching out in the big GroupMe chat we have established and I would like to implement regular volunteer opportunities as well as teaming up with other organizations such as Gentlemen’s Academy,” said Broadway.
Battle also shared her plans.
“I plan to bring the class together while doing community service. I loved doing community service back home. I would volunteer at the Soup Kitchen. I would volunteer at Goodwill. There was also a daycare center and I would volunteer there when I didn’t have school, so I want to try to do that here,” said Battle.
Broadway and Battle shared their insights on attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) such as Jackson State University and the significance of being a student.
“Well what I love about HBCU’s is that I’m a name and not a number. I feel like, especially at Jackson State, the teachers try to go out of their way to get to know everybody, and when we’re having a bad day they try to uplift us. I feel like if I would’ve chosen somewhere else, I would’ve probably struggled but I have teachers and a great faculty to help me through these four years,” said Battle.
Broadway expressed similar sentiments.
“HBCU’s in general give a chance for everyone to shine, everyone to have a voice, everyone to be heard, everyone to have a chance at life and succeeding. More importantly to fulfill that dream in their life. Jackson State more specifically I believe, paves a pathway for everyone to not only be successful but to have connections with each other,” said Broadway.
Both Broadway and Battle stated that they look forward to strengthening their relationship throughout their matriculation at JSU.
