FAMU awarded nearly $1.2 million in scholarships to 39 students at the Wyndham Hotel in Jacksonville, including three who received the top award — the Life-Gets Better (LGB) Scholarship valued at $85,000."I am grateful," said Terica Slaughter, a senior at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, who received the LGB Scholarship. "I really wasn’t expecting it."
Slaughter said without the scholarship she would not be able to attend a four-year college. In addition to covering tuition, room and board, the LGB scholarship provides a laptop computer, stipend and an summer internship.
Godfrey Jenkins, president of the J. R. E. Lee Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association, welcomed more than 300 students and parents to the reception.
"It is an honor to introduce you to my alma mater," said Jenkins. "We are proud to offer this opportunity to you today."
FAMU President James H. Ammons is traveling across north and central Florida this week offering scholarships to some of the state’s best and brightest students through his Presidential Scholars Program.
"It is an honor to be here tonight to tell this university’s story," said Ammons to those who traveled to the reception. "As the son of a single parent, I know the transformation that can take place at FAMU. This University is the shining light on the hill, the place that takes you and molds you into the person that you want to become."
Accompanying Ammons on the tour were university recruiters, administrators, student leaders and members of the FAMU Connection, a group of talented students who tell the university’s story through song and dance.
"These students have given up a great portion of their spring break to be here," Ammons said. "Their participation shows a great level of commitment to the university."