Student participants of SUBR’s Dolores Spikes Honors College swept major awards and offices at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of African American Honors Programs 2024. Several Southern University Honors College students competed in sundry categories at the national meeting against 25 Honors Programs from across the United States. Southern showcased 3 quiz bowl teams, 3 debate teams, 1 African Model United Nations team, and 3 talent competitors. The conference hosted 280 honors scholars from 25 HBCUs from October 30- November 2, 2024, at Prairie View and A&M College in Prairie View, Texas.
Southern University’s national quiz bowl team swept first place in a close competition. The student team consisted of Akajiugo Amucheazi (Biology), Jeffery Floyd (Agricultural Science), Knykolas Ross (Engineering), and Ashanti Scott (Social Work). Team A of the Debate Team consisted of Kelvin Powell (Engineering) and Caleigh Lester (Political Science), who won another first-place trophy after waxing Virginia State and Simmons College. Curtis Williams (Psychology) and Isaiah Clay (Mass Communications) won 1st after delivering a presentation on ways for college students could protect their mental health. Our very own Mya Bateman (Criminal Justice) won 2nd place in oral presentations, while Cire Portegies (Urban Forestry) won 3rd place of 22 STEM poster competitors. Southern took no prisoners when competing for the first time in the African Model United Nations oratorical category. Freshman Toni Green (Engineering) easily won both Best Orator and Committee Chairman out of 20 competitors. The “Honors Got Talent” 1st place winner was freshman Layla Evans (Engineering) as she entered an original art piece in the competition. The beautiful rendition exhibited the “Strength of African American Queens.” This was the first time in history that an Art piece won an award at the conference.
Southern University also garnered board representation. Mrs. Avis Chaney, Honors College Program Coordinator, was voted into the position of national secretary, while Bruce Green (Psychology) won national student president, and Layla Evans secured the position of secretary/ treasurer. Interim Dean Deadra Mackie is delighted by the performance of the Honors students. Participation in experiential activities such as these prepares students to compete in academic domains and enhances the development of young leaders.
As usual, Southern University and A&M College make their presence known as they participate in conferences nationwide. Special thanks to Debate coaches Dr. Will Puente, Professor Crystal Ammons, Ms. Dilcie Green, Master Recruiter and Advisory Council member, Mrs. Avis Chaney, and Dr. Deidra Ball, Associate Professor, for their assistance in preparing the students. Kudos to Assistant Coach Noland Johnson for his dedication to ensuring the quiz bowl maintains the number one position. Congratulations to all student participants for stepping out of their comfort zones to proudly represent the institution. Remember our mantra “Honors is the rule, not the exception”. The National Association of African Americans was formed to support Honors Programs and empower its constituents to enhance scholarly activities and cognitive experience. The Dolores Spikes Honors College students will continue to engage in competitions that stimulate academic achievement, high scholarship, and leadership. The Honors College administration and students graciously thank Boeing for sponsoring portions of this venture.
