Langston students garner major media attention
By: Ashley Benson of the LU Gazette
Four Langston University students have gained media attention from newspapers across the nation for a pact they made their senior year at Blair IB Magnet High School in Pasadena, Calif. that led them to attend Langston University to further their education.
The students, Bruce Palmore, an 18-year-old computer science major, Tevin Jones an 18-year-old biology major, Terrill Jones an 18-year-old business major, and Keymarin Washington a 19-year-old computer science major, are now determined to make a difference not only on campus but back in their own communities as well.
Their road to fame started when Tevin was invited to eat lunch with President JoAnn Haysbert for her birthday on Sept. 22, 2009. Tevin told her about the pact he and his friends had made. He also shared how since attending Langston, they decided to be role models for the teens back in their home town and encourage them to attend Langston.
Haysbert was intrigued and gave the story to the university's public relations department. Quicker than anyone expected, calls came in from reporters wanting to feature stories on "The Team." Their story was soon in the pages of The Oklahoman, The Tulsa World, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Pasadena Star News, the LA Sentinel, and The Outlook. Haysbert said she wasn't surprised when the story "blew up," but is delighted that it did.
"What makes this story news worthy is that despite obvious challenges, these four young men are committed to unselfishly helping others realize their goal of graduating from college," Haysbert said. "Such resilience, courage, and unwavering altruism are not everyday occurrences especially in a society that promotes self perseverance."
The Team said they were all surprised about the magnitude of the publicity. They had the opportunity to speak at their old high school in December and they said the reaction was unforgettable.
"I felt like Will Smith walking into the school! Photographers and people were everywhere; it was amazing," Terrill said.
Ashley Gibson, director of public relations, said she thinks the reason why the story has gone as far as it has is because it is a positive one.
"What "The Team" is doing is powerful; they are being active in recruiting people from their home town to Langston. Imagine how positive of an impact it would bring if each student reached back and brought someone back to Langston," Gibson said.
The four men said they grew up with no positive influences in school, yet they decided to take the initiative to make a change to better their lives. The four men joined Sigma Beta in high school, a mentoring program sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. for young men. The Team all said they were on a negative path, and if it wasn't for Beta Sigma they would not be the men they are today and the mindset of their community would have never been questioned.
"A lot of kids don't want to gang bang anymore because of the impact we made," Bruce said.
The Team found out about Langston by attending the Black College Expo in Los Angeles last year, where they met Anthony Crawford, LU's SGA event coordinator. Crawford said that when he met the boys he envisioned The Team impacting Langston. Washington was ready to start a new life, but the others, Crawford said, were not easily convinced. Crawford said the mother of Tevin and Terrill, who are twins, had her mind set on her sons going to another school. Palmore was hesitant after not being impressed by the university's website. Luckily, Crawford said he persuaded them to choose LU.
"The four of them have accomplished more in their freshman year than I have in three. The impact they are making on campus is amazing and nothing and on one can separate them. I'm happy just to say I helped them get to our rich university," Crawford said.
The Team said their bond is so tight that they consider themselves brothers. Washington graduated from high school a year before the other three men. He said that when he graduated he was stuck with the decision on what to do after high school. Washington said that his "brothers" encouraged him to come to college with the rest of them and when he did he felt accomplished.
The Team said they plan to be very active on campus and are working towards their own individual goals every day. Palmore is now co-designer for Langston's website. Washington is on his way to achieving a 4.0 GPA. Terrill's goal is to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and Tevin's goal is to keep a high GPA, complete college in four years, and hold leadership positions on campus. This semester they plan to join the Langston Ambassadors. The Team said they hope their story will inspire others to make a difference.
