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by Alexis Cooper
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FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — As the CIAA basketball tournament approaches, two Florence natives are heading to Baltimore, Maryland with more than just basketball on their minds.
They’re competing for a scholarship that could help further their education.
The CIAA is the oldest Historically Black Athletic Conference in the country, and its annual basketball tournament is one of the biggest events in Historically Black College and university sports.
But beyond the court, the tournament also shines a spotlight on student leaders.
This week, Claflin University seniors, Derrion Campbell and Genesis Morris will be competing in the CIAA scholarship competition.
Both Florence natives, Campbell and Morris have known each other since high school.
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They first crossed paths at Wilson High.
Now, years later, they find themselves side by side again– this time as Mister and Miss Claflin University.
“I think what makes it different for us is that we go so far back and the fact that we’re trying to tie it all together and show that people from Florence, little ole Florence, can go out and do amazing things,” Derrion Campbell, Mr. Claflin said.
To hold a royal title at an HBCU means being a role model and chosen for leadership, school pride, and commitment to service.
“I think to have a king and queen from the same high school also serving together as king and queen of an institution is a big deal,” Genesis Morris, Miss Claflin said.
The CIAA scholarship competition recognizes students who stand out in academics, professionalism, campus involvement, and public service.
A total of 11 HBCUs will compete, but only one king and queen will be crowned.
“We’re serving together trying to showcase what we’ve done here in our community and help the community that Claflin is in,” Campbell said.
On Saturday, March 1st, the winners with the highest votes will be crowned at the CIAA tournament in Baltimore and will receive a $2,500 dollar scholarship.
Voting ends this Thursday, February 27th. To vote you can visit the link here.
