Michael Sanders, Jayla Flournoy Crowned Homecoming King, Queen

Michael Sanders and Jayla Flournoy are Valdosta State University’s Homecoming 2017 king and queen.

VALDOSTA — Michael Sanders and Jayla Flournoy are Valdosta State University’s Homecoming 2017 king and queen. Elected by their peers, the two were crowned during halftime festivities at the Blazers vs. University of West Alabama Tigers football game.

“Homecoming king means way more to me than just a crown and a title,” said Sanders, a senior from Fairburn, Georgia. “It is a responsibility to be a voice for my peers and do them justice. This is a very important platform that can bridge the gap between the administration and the student body, and I cannot take it lightly. With all of the support, I’m ready to enhance the culture and spirit here at VSU.”

Sanders is vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., membership coordinator for Media Arts Geniuses, and a member of the African Student Association. He has completed more than 100 hours of volunteer service and serves as a mentor at Ora Lee West Homes, the Valdosta Early College Academy, and V-Town Connection.

Sanders plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communication, emphasis in public relations, in May 2018. He wants to work for a law public relations firm and pursue acting in Los Angeles, California.

Flournoy plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education in communication disorders in May 2018 and then pursue a master’s degree in the same field. She is the corresponding secretary for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., treasurer for the Black Student League, secretary for Sigma Alpha Chi, a VSU ambassador, and a member of Collegiate Women of VSU, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Mentors, the National Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and Sigma Alpha Pi: The National Society of Leadership and Success.

Flournoy was honored with the College Women of VSU Member Appreciation Award in 2015 and the Black Student League  Executive Board Member of the Year Award in 2017.

“Thank you, VSU, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be grateful,” said Flournoy, a senior from Thomson, Georgia. “We will grow together as a university. Regardless of our title or years of experience, we can learn from each other. Through mentoring and by being open to learn, we can reach our ultimate potential.”