On Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. students and faculty of Grambling State University united to partake in the 2011 high school day. High schools started arriving at around 7:30 and after registration they were taken on tours around the campus. Cities such as Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Lake Charles and various others were represented. Some buses carried more than high school students. Many had parents, GSU alumni and middle school students all looking forward to the day ahead.
The day continued with everyone meeting at the Fredrick C. Hobdy assembly center. Departments set up tables around the arena for visitation. Department heads, professors and some students provided high school students with information in their major of inquiry. Grambling offers over 60 undergraduate programs which all share in preparing one for a successful career.
The entertainment portion of the day began at 11:15. Music from DJ Twin filled the room as everyone gathered in the arena. Along with excitement and smiles on the faces of the future Gramblinites there was a large number of dancing. DJ Twin asked for one student from each school to represent in a dance battle. Cheers flooded the room as the music started and the dancing began.
President Pogue greeted students, with high hopes that all the students visiting would return as students soon, gave greetings. Miss Grambling, Jamesia Leonard, delivered her welcome to the students, in addition to introducing her royal court. Channing Gaulden’s president of the Student Government Association, salutation followed.
The hype that people had traveled far to see was finally here, the World Famed tiger marching band. With drum majors leading, the orchesis dance company and the band marched to the loud thumps from the percussion section. The sounds overflowed with the “tiger fightsong”, “neck”, and the crowd favorite: the GSU chant. It was a thrilling experience.
Tiger cheerleaders then took the stage, conveying energy and pep to the entire arena. With their creative pyramids and stunts, the ladies and men wowed the crowd. Praises were generated throughout the cheerleaders’ performance.
As lunch was served, the Chemistry club demonstrated two experiments and Black Dynasty modeling troupe provided brief entertainment.
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc made a large impact as they strolled in the middle of the arena. Along with Skee- Phi, the society of Distinguished Black Women and Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity represented the non- Greeks.
As the first part of the day came to a close, I spoke with high school senior Gaylan Green from Slidell. “ It was wonderful, I can’t wait to attend. I plan on majoring in theatre and being a part of the yearbook and Gramblinite newspaper”, she responded when asked abouther first experience at Grambling.
Chris Nevells, a high school junior from Lake Charles said “I like Grambling, I want to major in music, and I play percussion and guitar.”
The game kickoff started at 4:00, against Concordia College. Halftime was a success as the band brought fans to their feet once again.
As GSU took the win, beating Concordia 44-0, the day came to an end. High school day was a awesome experience for all who contributed. It’s always great to see current students and faculty teaming up to continue the legacy of this institution “where everybody is somebody.”
Kimberly Monroe
HBCU Buzz Staff Writer
