Braves scholar athletes honored with Braves Champion Breakfast
Student athletes at Alcorn State University who excel in the classroom were celebrated for their commitment to academic greatness.
A total of 147 student athletes who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better were recognized at the Braves Champion Breakfast Thursday, April 27 in the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility Gold Room. The students were presented with a commemorative Wheaties Breakfast of Champions cereal box with their group photo on it.
Dr. Dennis Thomas, commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and former standout football player for the Braves, delivered the keynote speech at the ceremony. He began his speech by encouraging the student athletes that their prosperity depends on their drive to succeed.
“Success in life depends on lots of variables," said Thomas. "It doesn’t care about where you’re from. I’m from the small country town of Heidleburg, Mississippi. Success lives within. The quality of your life will be in direct proportion to your commitment to excellence.”
Thomas encouraged the students to be aware of their habits because it will determine how successful they will be in the future. He also motivated them to be exceptional leaders.
“Man doesn’t determine your future. Your habits determine your future. Be responsible for not only yourself, but also for your teammates. Leadership and being a champion is also being mature enough to tell your teammates who are doing wrong to correct their actions.”
President Alfred Rankins Jr. expressed his confidence in the student athletes’ ability to succeed in their future endeavors.
“In order for you to achieve success in class, the common thread is hard work, perseverance and determination,” said Rankins. “If you have it in you to be successful in the classroom while playing your respective sports, you have the ability to be successful at whatever you set out to do.”
At the end of the ceremony, Thomas presented Rankins with a $10,000 donation for the ASU Foundation.
