Latoya Hentz-Moore
JSU Newsroom
After winning a series of regional competitions, Jackson State is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30thannual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HCASC National Championship Tournament will be held April 13-17 on the American Honda campus in Torrance, California. Jackson State University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
Led by team coach Joshua Cotton, Jackson State will be represented by Justin Clarke, a junior majoring in Accounting from Memphis, TN; Kaitlin Alease Littleberry,a sophomore majoring in political science from Bakersfield, CA; Aaron Wilson Ridley, a freshman majoring in accountingfrom Memphis, TN;and Gamica Theresa Norwood, a junior majoring in math education from Gary, IN.
“I am always excited to participate in the HCASC with our students,” says Cotton. “My focus is to assist them with developing their own motivations. I want them to know they are in charge of their future and their efforts will determine their success.”
The fast-paced buzzer competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. The HCASC is a year-round program that centers on academic excellence, community service, leadership, networking opportunities and mentorship.
“This is the first championship tournament for three of our team members so there is definitely some pressure to do well but it helps to know that Jackson State is behind us all the way,” says Cotton.
Since 1989, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, one of Honda’s longest running philanthropic initiatives in the United States, has celebrated and recognized the academic talents of HBCU students. More than $9 million in grants from Honda have provided support for scholarships, facility upgrades and other investments to improve the student experience at HBCUs.
“For 30 years, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has provided a platform for the nation’s top HBCU students to advance their dreams,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at American Honda. “Honda congratulates the ‘Great 48’ for their incredible work ethic, teamwork and competitive spirit. We look forward to an exciting National Championship Tournament and crowning the 2019 HCASC National Champion in April.”
The 2019 HCASC finals will be live-streamed on Tuesday, April 16 starting at 12:00 noon eastern standard time. For more information regarding the live stream, visit www.HCASC.com.
