Elizabeth City
ECSU
State Universit\‘
THE COMPASS
yoll Circulation 2,000 ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER April 24,2008 No.4S
HONORS CONVOCATION
Bv: Kenneth Fitzgerald
Cl
Herman Boone
Photo Councsv oj Public RcJacions
Elizabeth City State University continues
to experience higher academic achievements
among it’s students. The University held
its Honors Convocation Ceremony Thurs
day, April 10 was a huge success. 0\'er 70
awards were distributed to nearly 300 stu
dents. The program began with a piano se
lection, plaved by Dr. Gloria Knight, Chair
of Music Department. “To whom much is
given, much is recognized therefore, we
should honor those who deserve honor.
Congratulations” said Reverend Dr. Roos
evelt Askew, II. Chancellor Willie J Gilchrist
gave an introduction of his son and speaker
of the ceremonv. Dr. Steven Gilchrist. The
1999 Elizabeth Citv State University gradu
ate is now a Physician in Fort Mills, South
Carolina. His speech embodied hope for the
future leaders of America. Immediately af
ter the speech. Dr. W. Franklin Evans began
distributing awards, and assisted by Dr. Vel
ma Blackmon, Honors Program Director.
Dr. Blackmon said “ECSU is thrilled to give
O
honor to our bright students.” Ms. Gi’Eira
O
Jones, and Ms. Mava Robinson; both seniors
and members of the Honors Programs also
assisted Dr. Evans with the distribution of
awards. Some av\'ards issued w-ere: Chan
cellor’s Distinguished Emblem Award, Mel
vin L. Murphy Research Award in History,
E.M. Spellman Award, Evan-Patterson Sci
ence Award, CERSER “Research Program
Award”, and Outstanding UNC Campus
Scholar Award among others. “I am glad to
end my four year career on a good note with
the highest GPA in my major”, Jessica Mc
Donald said. Ms. McDonald was the award
recipient of the Graduating Senior Award
with Highest GPA and Who’s Who Among
Students in American Universities and col
leges. Elizabeth City State University and its
students are on the road to success, and con
tinues to breed leader of the future.
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HERMAN
BOONE,
REMEMBER
THE TITANS
Bv: Sbomonicll illiams
Elizabeth City State University was privi
leged with the presence Herman Boone,
w'orld-famous coach whose life was por
trayed in the 2000 hit movie Remember the
Titans, starring Oscar award winning actor
Denzel Washington. In 1971, in the racially
divided Alexandria, Virginia, Boone served
as head coach atTC. Williams High School
football team, after replacing former \yhite
head coach, BillYoast. Boone admits that in
the beginning of it all, he felt as tough he was
in o\ er is head with constant racial tensions
coming his way. “I didn’t feel like I deserved
the treatment. Coaching a successful foot
ball team is the American Dream, and felt
as though my dream was deferred”, he said
However, in the midst of it all, Boone man
aged to keep going. “Losers quit. It may be
okay to stop and rest, but not to quit. That’s
what I’ve always been taught and that is what
kept me going” Boone said.
Remember the Titans told Boone’s story
and received a vast amount of media atten
tion. “1 was surprised at how much attention
the movie received. It seemed as though
all of a sudden, the world was focused on
me. I found it to be a bit intimidating that
mv thoughts and actions would be assimi
lated around the world.” Boone says when
he heard news that Denzel Washington was
to play him he was quite surprised and hon
ored.That the original role was to go to Lau
rence Fishburne, and Washington requested
to play the part. “I was honored at the fact
that one of the greatest African American
actors of our time wanted to tell mv story. I
was truly flattered.”
Now that his coaching days are o\ er, Boone
continues to play a major role in ser\ ing the
yourth in his community for the better. He
says,”My life has been a commuity service.
Long before the movie was thought ol, my
life was dedicated to making a difference,
and it remains the same to this day.”
H I N G T O N
"Two Thumbs Up!" i ^
brerfioA Of ^
"A tov»in9 CclebrerfioA Of HwvM
ftliad With Htarl And Soul.''
REMEMBER THE
TITANS
ELECTED STUDENT OFFICIALS OF 2008
KEVIH MARSHALL
5G/1 President
ILLIANA THOMAS BRYCE CARMICHAEL TREASIA FIELDS
SGA Sr. Vice-President
Mr. ECSU
Aiiss. ECSU