Jackson, Mississippi native Jakhia Gray and Vicksburg, Mississippi native, Jay Stirgus, have been selected to be the leaders of Alcorn State University’s Class of 2020.
Gray and Stirgus were voted Miss Freshman and Freshman Class President for the 2016-2017 academic year Sunday, Aug. 21st. The two plan to make the first year at Alcorn one to remember for the Freshman class. They both are eager to guide the Freshman class to a higher height at Alcorn and the surrounding communities.
“When I first stepped onto this campus, I knew that I found the right place for me,” said Gray. “Alcorn is more than just an institution for higher learning, it is full of heritage, culture and family values. No other Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is like Alcorn; there will never be another place like Alcorn.”
“It’s such a great feeling knowing that my class trusts me enough to elect me as their president,” said Stirgus.
Gray’s journey to Miss Freshman started while she was a student at Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi. During her time as a student there, she competed in numerous pageants which prepared her for the title that she currently possesses. In 2016, she was crowned Miss Jabberwock. After wining this title, she was determined to serve as Miss Freshman for the Alcorn class of 2020. Stirgus’ journey began his senior year at Vicksburg High School in Vicksburg, MS. In the Spring of 2016, Stirgus was elected as Mister Vicksburg High School. Throughout his tenure at Vicksburg High, Stirgus volunteered with various community organizations. Those organizations nourished Stirgus’ desire to lead his peers at a higher level. With both Jakhia and Jay being pillars in their communities, they both knew that the desire to serve in the Student Government Association (SGA) could only be fulfilled by running and winning their desired titles.
With both Gray and Stirgus having family ties to Alcorn, both knew that they were continuing their family’s legacy at Alcorn.
“Both my mother and aunt’s are Alcorn alumni, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. With such a deeply rooted heritage, I knew that Alcorn was the place for me. I also knew that if I wanted to follow in my mother and aunt’s footsteps, I had to do something that would leave a legacy here at Alcorn,” said Gray.
“I chose Alcorn because I’ve been around the University my entire life. I felt that this was the best university in America that I could go to. With so many of my family members being Alcorn alumni, I knew that I wanted to come here and continue in the family tradition. There is no other place I’d rather be. Alcorn is one big family,” said Stirgus.
Gray and Stirgus have various ideas to develop the Freshman class. Gray stated, “I have many goals to accomplish as Miss Freshman. I want to develop the class so that in the next three years, we will be able to help future Freshmen adjust to college life. Bringing the class closer, as a family, is something that I would love to see. We will also be working on various fun projects and community service jobs.” Stirgus replied, “My major plans are to bring the Freshman class together and host fun, charitable events with all of the proceeds going to local charities. I will make this year memorable by hosting various events that will exhibit positive energy on the campus.”