ITTA BENA, Miss.— After winning a series of regional competitions, Mississippi Valley State University is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The HCASC National Championship Tournament will be held April 13-17, 2019, on the American Honda campus in Torrance, California. MVSU has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize—a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
Patrice D. Otero, a senior from Greenwood majoring in English Education; Jaylin R. Smith, a sophomore from Greenwood majoring in Communications and Media Studies; Casandra CJ Newsom, a senior from Chicago majoring in Business Administration; and Andrew J. McDaniels, a sophomore for Eastvale, Calif., majoring in Art will represent MVSU. MVSU Professor Dr. Abigail S. Newsome will coach the team.
"We are excited about the opportunity to once again participate in the HondaCampus All-Star Championship,”’ said Newsome. “For several years, Honda has provided students from MVSU the premier opportunity to travel and compete against other students from across the country. We are thankful for this platform and the opportunity to expose our students to this intense, challenging and rewarding experience."
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge connects the nation's best and brightest HBCU students who expand their scope of knowledge; learn teamwork and sportsmanship; and develop a bond with their fellow competitors.
The fast-paced buzzer competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Outside of gameplay, the year-round program provides community service activities, leadership, networking opportunities and mentorship.
“For 30 years, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has provided a platform for the nation’s top HBCU students to advance their dreams,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at American Honda. “Honda congratulates the ‘Great 48’ for their incredible work ethic, teamwork and competitive spirit. We look forward to an exciting National Championship Tournament and crowning the 2019 HCASC National Champion in April.”
In 1989, Honda established HCASC as a way to recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of HBCU students. More than $9 million in grants from Honda to participating HBCUs have been used to fund tuition and book scholarships, student development initiatives, endowment and development campaigns, as well as facilities and equipment. Over its 30-year history, HCASC has built a network of more than 125,000 program alumni.
The 2019 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge finals will be live-streamed on Tuesday, April 16, starting at 12:00 p.m. ET. To view the live stream and for more information about HCASC, including a full list of the 48 qualifying teams, visit www.HCASC.com.