As the incoming class of 2027 began making preparations for the upcoming school year this Summer, certain individuals were making specific preparations of their own. With the school year fast approaching an interest meeting went out for all of those who were interested in holding a Freshman Cabinet position. While on campus those who were running for Student Government Association (SGA) positions held a Meet and Greet at the Plaza and welcomed their classmates to come out and learn more about their specific platforms. Following the Meet and Greet, on August 21, 4 new members were elected to the Freshman Cabinet.
The first member welcomed into the Freshman Cabinet was Denise Davenport. She is an Elementary Education major from Brookhaven, Mississippi, and currently holds the position of Freshman Class President for the 2023-2024 school year. This will not be Davenport’s first time serving in a leadership position for she has served as her high school’s Varsity Cheer Captain as well as the President of her Student Council. Davenport is entering this new position with not only experience but a prolonged agenda. She plans on being a “new voice” for her class. She wants to work hard to make sure that all of her classmates have an opportunity to not only be heard and seen but also to excel here at Alcorn State University. Lastly, she wants her classmates who voted her into office to know that she is honored to serve them as their 2023-2024 Freshman Class President.
Accompanying Davenport in the Freshman Cabinet as Vice President is Kenaysia Stanton. She is a Pre-Physical Therapy major from Pascagoula, Mississippi. Hard work and leadership is nothing new to Stanton for she was involved in several extracurricular activities throughout her high school years including Beta Club, Student Council, Color Guard, Advisory Council, and Media Coordinator. Not only is she the new Vice President but she is also a Brave Ambassador and an Athletic Trainer. Although Stanton is very busy she wants to strive to make her class feel unified. If there is ever someone who feels left out or alone, she wants to be the person they run to for advice. Her strong will and compassionate heart will make for a great Vice President for the Freshman Class.
The third member joining the Freshman Cabinet is Antoine Johnson Jr. He is a Computer Networking major from Clinton, Louisiana and he now holds the title of Mister Freshman. Johnson was a very involved student at East Feliciana High School (EFHS) where he was the Cross-Country Team Captain, Beta Club’s Chaplain and Secretary, EFHS Gear Up President, and Student Body President. Like Stanton, Johnson hopes to help his class stay united. He believes that if the Freshman Class works together, they will be able to conquer any challenge that they may endure over the next 4 years. “The title Mr. Freshman means a lot to me because it allows me to be able to represent my classmates with love, humility, compassion, style, and most importantly a positive mindset and attitude,” stated Johnson.
The last member to become a part of Alcorn’s new Freshman Cabinet is a Biology Pre-Professional major from Canton, Mississippi named Erin Nichols. She now serves as Alcorn’s 2023-2024 Miss Freshman. Nichols has held several different positions throughout her high school career, but her favorite ones included being named Miss Canton High School, Junior Class President and the Salutatorian of her graduating class. She wants each of her fellow classmates to ask themselves how brave they are. She believes that it takes bravery to accomplish your goals and she wants to see all of her fellow classmates succeed. She believes that if everyone stays true to themselves while continuing to focus on what’s ahead of them then there will be nothing that they cannot do. Nichols stated, “As promised, I will advocate for my classmates and do all that I can to ensure we have a great year.”
(L to R) Erin Nichols and Antoine Johnson
(L to R) Denise Davenport and Kenaysia Stanton
(L to R) Denise Davenport (23-24 Freshman Class President), Erin Nichols (23-24 Miss Freshman), Antoine Johnson Jr. (23-24 Mister Freshman) and Kenaysia Stanton (23-24 Freshman Class Vice President)
