From the first game in 1925, the competition between the two HBCU teams— Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers and the Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) Wildcats— had risen exponentially. After years of playing against each other, the teams decided to move their yearly games to a neutral site in Tampa, creating this must-see matchup! After deliberation, the teams decided to boost the event and bring more Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) members and alumni, along with those interested in a good game, by relocating this game to the Camping World Stadium in Orlando. From there on out, it became a weekend-long event celebrating black pride and the culture that comes with it, and was honorably titled as the Florida Classic Weekend.
During the Florida Classic Weekend, the energy across Orlando is always electric, with fans, families, and alumni coming together to celebrate culture, history, and school pride. To tap into that same excitement, seniors and juniors from Olympia High School took a special field trip to the Hyatt for FAMU’s Florida Classic Weekend Showcase. The purpose of the trip was to give students a real look into what FAMU has to offer during one of its biggest weekends of the year and give students a real look at what FAMU is all about, beyond what they see online or hear from others. Throughout the entire trip, students got to learn about one of the biggest HBCUs and the strong community that makes FAMU stand out.
At the event, students were able to learn about FAMU’s academics, organizations, and the wide range of opportunities available for those who choose to attend. Representatives shared information about scholarships, campus life, and programs that help students succeed both during college and after graduation. They made it clear that FAMU is not just a place to earn a degree but a place where students can grow, make connections, and build a future they can be proud of. Many students said they left feeling like FAMU is a school that truly invests in the success of its students. A large segment of the students mentioned meeting Mister and Miss FAMU, along with several high-ranking members of the university community. They spoke about leadership, tradition, and what it truly means to be a Rattler.
“I loved everything about the trip. Being out there excited me so much as I am about to take that next step in my life and attend a university, hopefully a historically black one, so being at this field trip made me more sure of my next choices as a senior and in a sense made me proud to be surrounded by such rich culture and inspirational leaders,” senior Olivia Hannah expressed.
Throughout the visit, students got to experience the culture that makes FAMU stand out—its pride, unity, and commitment to helping students grow. Many students left feeling inspired and with a better understanding of what attending an HBCU like FAMU could mean for their futures. The field trip was more than time away from class—it was a chance to explore new possibilities, connect with influential leaders, and get a firsthand look at a university that continues to make a major impact during Florida Classic Weekend and beyond.
“Seeing the Mister and Miss FAMU was really great and made me realize the impact I want to have on the HBCU I chose to attend. I did not think that attending a university would be in my cards but surprisingly, this trip made me realize that this can be something in my future,” senior Abigail Bennet shared.
As Bennet mentioned, meeting Mister and Miss FAMU, along with other members of FAMU’s leadership and student organizations, helped students familiarize themselves with the important aspects of the school’s administration and application process. They spoke about their own journeys, what led them to choose the university, and how FAMU helped shape them into the people they are now. Hearing these stories made the experience feel more personal and helped students picture themselves on campus one day.
The whole trip had a positive atmosphere with music, conversations, and moments where students could ask questions and really engage. For many who attended, the event opened their eyes to the opportunities FAMU provides and the pride that comes with being a part of the Rattler family. It gave seniors and juniors a chance to think about their future in a new way and understand how choosing the right college can change everything.
