The Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Marching Storm's visit brought a hefty dose of DeSoto Eagle alumni pride with them during their recent visit to DeSoto High School as a part of the campus’ HBCU exposure during National GEAR UP week.
Eleven DeSoto High School alumni returned to their alma mater clad in their purple and gold university gear performing their specific roles and inspiring the next generation of students.
This is a moment that Javion Looney, a DHS Class of 2022 graduate, will likely never forget. “I was truly excited to come back to DeSoto High School and show my peers that going to college is possible. I am enjoying my time at Prairie View A&M University and taking good care of myself,” said Looney. He is a current member of the PVAMU Marching Storm and a former member of the DeSoto High School Eagle Marching Band.
At the close of the PVAMU Marching Storm's stellar performance in Eagle stadium, Looney sprinted down the track to see his former DHS bandmates and high school friends before boarding the bus. The excitement of his return to the campus was mutual. He was literally carried across the football field by his former peers, as they chanting his name, hugging and virtually lifting him off the ground with their welcoming hugs, smiles, and well wishes.
Other alum were encircled by former teachers and coaches and posing for pictures with their Eagle family.
“I love coming back to support my school and coming back to where I am from. I hope the students can see that anything is possible,” said Sydnei Williams, DHS Class of 2019. She is majoring in medical social work and is a PVAMU Panther cheerleader. “I love the family atmosphere at PV and have learned so much. I am enjoying many new opportunities and very grateful for that.”
DHS Class of 2019 alumni Alona Henri and Ayanna Pipkin are proud Eagles who will graduate from Prairie View A&M University in 2023 and planning to attend law school and graduate school, respectively. These students were university photographers, capturing the PVAMU presence as they travel throughout the DFW Metroplex.
Three more DHS Class of 2022 graduates Mia Lang performed with the Prairie View A&M University Panther Colorguard and Bryce Patterson and Isaiah Zeno-Porter performed with the PVAMU Marching Storm band.
After sharing his love for his hometown and his college experience, Patterson gave a brief call to action. “I look forward to seeing some of you all on “the Hill”."
The DeSoto ISD GEAR UP Program which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is part of the National GEAR UP program designed to celebrate and advocate to help prepare students for their future.
“This is a week in which we inspire, encourage, and expose students to colleges, universities, and trade schools to help them find their postsecondary fit after graduating from high school,” said Jereese Johnson, DeSoto ISD GEAR UP Program director. “Visits like these, the annual college fair, and college fields help our students make informed decisions about their future. We can never start exposing students to college too early.”