Candlelight vigil held for two fallen Jaguars

Southern University held a candlelight vigil for the two fallen Jaguars, Lashuntae Benton and Annette January, on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Student Union.
Mass communications major and Sophomore Class President Anthony Kenney, Jr. spoke on behalf of SU19 and presented a token of gratitude with love to Dawn January, mother of Annette January.
“The Jaguar Nation loves your daughter so much and we will continue to love her for the rest of our lives,” said Kenney.
“Each and every day you should strive to be not who you were yesterday but a better person the next day, and remember when its time for you to go on home ask yourself what will the world say about me? Did I play my part in God’s eyes and not mans?” finished Kenney.
The 2016-2017 Association for Women Student President Paula-Marie Mensah spoke on behalf of the women students here on campus.
“I and the ladies would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends and classmates of Benton and January,” said Mensah.
“We don’t realize that these types of things can happen, until it happens so close to home. I’m sure when the girls stepped out that evening they did not realize that this would have been their last evening hanging out with their friends. Tonight, we will continue to celebrate their lives and the times we shared with them,” finished Mensah.
SU sophomore Pole Vaulter and marketing major Ambrosia Williams of Danville, Illinois, reflects on the manner in which January would run during track meets and practice.
“Nette was always smiling and there would be times when she would be upset about running her miles, but as soon as she began running she was all smiles,” said Williams.
“It’s going to be hard to no longer see her running or doing her hurdles, but we as a team must keep pushing. When we complain about a workout we have to remember that “Nette” ran her last race and we must live each day thankful and we can’t take life for granted,” finished Williams.
Even though Benton worked closer with the football team, Williams did mention that she gave the best “rub-out massage” ever and always connected with her on conversations centered around hairstyles.
Prior to the vigil, the track team had a balloon release to show their respects.
SU junior Defensive-end football player and business management, Aaron Tiller of Columbus, Ohio says the team took it hard, and that Benton was very supportive of the team.
“She was like a sister to me. I have to push forward and keep the good memories, even though I see her face in my head.
When asked how dedicated Benton was to the team, Tiller responded saying she was the most dedicated.
“I remember during practice season “Tae” would be up at 5 a.m. with us, and didn’t have to be,” said Tiller.
“A couple of players caught full body cramps, during training camp and had to go to the hospital, and “Tae” was the only trainer that went to the hospital and stayed there and made sure they were ok,” said Tiller.
When asked what is one thing she will be remembered by Tiller responded by saying, “Well I know one thing she loved cornbread, and on Mondays she would eat like six pieces, with no red-beans,” finished Tiller.
Both Benton and January were laid to rest on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Benton’s service was at Christian World Ministries in Lake Charles, and January’s was at the Church of God and Christ in Hammond, Indiana.
The Southern University System Foundation has established a memorial fund to support the families of Benton and January. Donations can be made at netcommunity.sus.edu.