TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team has won an invitation to the National Qualifying Tournament, after a weekend of exciting
competition hosted by Winston Salem State University. FAMU will join 31 fellow historically
black colleges and universities in a quest to win the national championship trophy
and a $100,000 institutional grant. The National Championship Tournament will be held
at the American Honda Motors corporate headquarters in Torrance, California in April.
“Congratulations to the Florida A&M University Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team
for advancing to the national qualifying tournament. Their knowledge, teamwork, and
competitive spirit exemplify the excellence of FAMU scholars, and we are proud to
see them keep the Rattlers in contention for a ninth national championship,” said
President Marva Johnson, J.D. “I commend American Honda Motor Company for its continued commitment to showcasing
academic excellence at HBCUs.”
Members of Florida A&M University’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team pose
for a photo after advancing to the National Championship Tournament following competition
hosted by Winston-Salem State University. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Honda All-Stars )
During the qualifying rounds, the Rattler scholars displayed a vast array of knowledge
across multiple subjects, including history, current events, science, literature,
religion, and pop culture. This year’s team includes:
Kenneth D. Smith, Captain
Junior, Civil Engineering major
Jacksonville, Florida
Jordyn Williams
Sophomore, Biology/Pre-Med major
Daytona Beach, Florida
Cadence Smith
Senior, Psychology major
Gainesville, Florida
Elijah Sorunmu
Junior, History major
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Founded in 1989, HCASC is one of American Honda’s signature annual philanthropic events
and over the past 36 years, the company has provided more than $9 million in grants
that have been used for scholarships, programs, and facility upgrades at HBCUs. The
FAMU team, led by Vivian L. Hobbs. Ph.D., since its inception by the late President Frederick S. Humphries and Col. Bernard
Hendricks in 1991, has won eight national championships and nearly one million dollars
in grants—tops among all competing HBCUs.
“I have never been so impressed with a group of students who have never played HCASC
before, and I am looking forward to seeing how they measure up against the other 31
finalists in California,” said Coach Hobbs.
To follow the FAMU team’s journey, visit https://www.hcasc.com/
Florida A&M University’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team competes during
the regional tournament that secured their invitation to the National Championship
Tournament. (Photo courtesy of FAMU Honda All-Stars)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu