RW News: FAMU Law Student Bar Association Encourages Jones High Students!

Orlando, FL. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law Student Bar Association (SBA) partnered with Jones High School to establish a scholarship center on their school’s campus with the intent of preparing and encouraging students to enter the college and postsecondary education arena.

Third-year law student LaDray Gilbert, who serves as the professional development chair for the SBA Career Services, views the center as an obvious involvement for FAMU law students.

“Given both the individual and collective histories of FAMU and Jones High, we felt we owed a duty to go to the high school and help the students strive toward higher education,” Gilbert said.

The center’s focus of diverting Jones students from entering the workforce and into undergraduate and vocational studies encompasses personal mentoring, registration for ACT and SAT exams, and exposure and correspondence with institutions of higher learning.

As part of this partnership, the scholarship center recognizes a student each month for their commitment and effort to utilize the center’s services in their pursuit towards a college education.

The FAMU College of Law Scholarship Center recognized Jones High senior Brittney King as the first ever Student of the Month during the halftime of a Jones High football game and recognized senior Gilbert Laracuente during Jones’ homecoming football game at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

“If we convince just one student to go to college that may have been otherwise leaning toward not attending, then we would have more than accomplished our goals,” said Gilbert.

PHOTO CAPTION: Third-year law student LaDray Gilbert (far left) presents Jones High Senior Brittany King with the FAMU College of Law Student Bar Association Scholarship Center Student of the Month Award as Jones High Principal Dr. Bridget Williams (third from left) receives a plaque from third-year law student Willie Huntley.