By Emmani H. Henry

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Army ROTC National Alumni Association (NAA) awarded $1,000 scholarships to 22 ROTC freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

The scholarships were presented during the ninth annual ROTC Leadership Conference held in Howard Hall on Thursday, April 4. The conference’s goal was to enhance the leadership capabilities of future Army officers and to create connections between students and alumni who served in the military.

Students who have demonstrated outstanding qualities, including leadership, academic excellence, and physical fitness, were awarded the scholarships. These scholarships are to give them are financial boost so they can focus on their craft by not having to work.

“It feels great to have that opportunity,” said scholarship recipient, pre-nursing sophomore A’Deja Farlow. “It definitely feels great to be recognized for working hard because I am a hard worker, but I don’t do it to be recognized,” Farlow said. “I do it because it’s in my character.”

Visiting campus for the conference, retired Lt. Col. Antoine Martin reminisced about his 20-year military career. The Morgan Stanley executive said when he was in uniform he always had a Rattler willing to help. He wants students to know there are people who want them to succeed.

“I remember as a cadet, being on the receiving end of some of these scholarships. Alumni pouring into me with resources but more importantly, when I graduated, I walked into a network of Rattlers that welcomed me and showed and guided me,” said Martin, a 2003 FAMU graduate.

Social work sophomore student Evan Lesure said that the scholarship will help him to remain focused. “Whatever I want, I have to be the one to get it,” he said.

Prior to the awarding of the scholarships, a panel of Army officers shared advice and insights the ROTC students will need after graduation.

“It’s different when you hear it from someone else – that you don’t see every day and has gone different paths.” said 2004 FAMU graduate, Lt. Col. Latricia May, who is a social worker in the U.S. Army. “Something that I hope that they take away for today is… remain authentic to themselves.”

Scholarship Recipients

Military Science Freshmen:

Sidney Belice – Ocala, Florida

Keenan Estep – Bowie, Maryland

Sherice Hyppolite – Tampa, Florida

 Makii Johnson – Atlanta, Georgia

 Shanuuet Levesque – St. Petersburg, Florida

Terryn Myers – Columbia, South Carolina

Military Science Sophomores:

Ta’lar Battle – Macon, Georgia

Candace Bellamy – Tampa, Florida

Adeja Farlow – Seaford, Delaware

Kailyn Floyd – Atlanta, Georgia

Brielle Haye – Miami, Florida

Evan Lesure – Atlanta, Georgia

Malik Patrick – Sanford, Florida

Military Science/Juniors:

Travon Drummer – Orlando, Florida

Kelvin Harper – Tallahassee, Florida

Cednet Jean – Miami, Florida

Myriah King – Tampa, Florida

Lindy Knowles – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jonique Rankine – West Haven, Florida

Aniah Rasool – Ruskin, Florida

Resinia Troupe – Bradenton, Florida

Emmanuel Roman – Ocala, Florida.

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