Twelfth Annual Florida A&M University Scholarship Gala
Igniting Rattlers through Scholarship gives back to student and athletic scholars
President of the FAMU Leon County Chapter of the National Alumni Association, Victor Gaines,
accepts award at the Gala and addresses the crowd.
By Marquel Bowen
Special to the Outlook
The Leon County Chapter of Florida A&M University (FAMU) National Alumni Association recently hosted “Igniting Rattlers through Scholarship,” the 12th annual scholarship gala providing financial assistance to FAMU students and athletes.
“My sixth-grade math teacher lost faith in me. She told me I was not equipped to seek higher education,” said State Rep. Ramon Alexander, while giving a fiery speech on how imperative it is for Rattlers to continue to support FAMU and create a stronger foundation for future Rattlers.
Victor Gaines, president of the FAMU Leon County Chapter of the National Alumni Association said, “ This is what it is all about. Raising us money, having a good time, and giving back to the Rattler community.” The Gala raised approximately $10,000 in scholarships for students. Over the past three years, more than $20,000 in scholarships has been awarded to FAMU students.
Contributions from the gala will go to programs and awards such as the V.L. Elkins Scholarship, awarded to incoming FAMU first-year students from our Leon County Schools and various scholarships and grants to students in the FAMU Summer Band Camp and Athletics. The Leon County Chapter is still accepting applications for incoming freshmen in Leon County and highly encourages those students to apply for the scholarships.
Alexander (D-Tallahassee) rallied attendees to continue donating to students of FAMU and continue building the alumni chapters. The gala honored Dr. Makeba S. Earst, owner of All About Smiles Dental Center; John Haugabrook, past-president of the Leon County Alumni Chapter; Juanita Moore, current financial secretary and treasurer of the Leon County Chapter; and Curtis Taylor, chair of FAMU’s Annual Roast and Toast Fundraiser.
“I continue to donate because I love Florida A&M University,” said Makeba Earst.
