Page 48 - Florida Sentinel 5-17-19

Congratulations Graduate
Faith And Hard Work Pay Off For Recent College Graduate
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
A Blake High graduate, Randall “Frosty” Tucker, graduated earlier this month from Alcorn State University
Five years ago, Randall M. Tucker left Tampa with a one-way bus ticket, headed to Lorman, Missis- sippi. He was determined that he would not be com- ing back to Tampa, not right away. He had a burn- ing desire to be the first in his family to attend and graduate college. That he did on May 6th, when he re- ceived his degree in History from Alcorn State Univer- sity. Faith and hard work paid off for him.
After his high school ca- reer at Howard W. Blake High School, not many col- leges were looking for a 5-9 - Defensive Tackle, but Randall filled out college applications anyway, in hopes that someone would find him worthy. He heard back from Albany State and Alcorn State. After researching both schools online, he decided on Alcorn State to fulfill his dream of being a college student-athlete.
As a member of the Al-
corn Braves (he wore #59), his team won the South- western Athletic Confer- ence (SWAC) this past December, 2018.
His plans are to come home to Tampa to follow in the footsteps of other All Sports Community Service (ASCS) alum, such as, Yinka Alege, Deon Maddox, and Tee Tramel, who became edu- cators after their college ca- reers.
Tucker expresses grati- tude to Howard W. Blake High School educators, Principals Jacqueline Kennedy Haynes and Jesse A. Salters, Coaches Anthony Davis, Calvin Barrs, K. L. Muldrow, and Counselor, Ms. Stacy Bishop for laying the foundation for him to go forward; and ASCS Jor- dan-Keys Scholarship for assisting him on his ath- letic and educational quests.
This past Christmas sea- son, “Frosty,” as he is known, was not able to come home for the holiday season, but ASCS made sure he had gifts and food for the holidays.
HeisthesonofMs. Ariane James, and his grandmother is Ms. Patri- cia James.
Five years ago, ASCS alumnae, Shinita (Baker) Danjor welcomed Randall to Alcorn, and returned back to attend his graduation to cheer him on.
Ms. Baker Danjor presented Tucker with the Jordan-Keys Scholarship.
Former Mississippi State 1980 roommate of Tyrone Keys, Mike McE- nany employed Randall.
A younger “Frosty” is shown with Tyrone Keys, his mother and another family member.
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