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February 28, 2023. The FAMU DRS Senior Beta Club was invited to the Leon County Courthouse by County Commissioners Carolyn Cummings and Bill Proctor for a day of dialogue with local and state leaders.

Upon their arrival, Mr. Chauncy Haynes, Aide to Commissioner Cummings, greeted the group and escorted them to State Attorney Jack Campbell's office. After a brief presentation by Mr. Campbell, Beta Members asked several thought-provoking questions as well as answered questions posed to them by the State Attorney. They were then given a tour of the many offices and divisions that make up the state attorney's office.

The Beta Club also met the Public Defender, Jessica Yeary and toured her office as well. Mrs. Yeary showed a brief video on the origin of the Public Defender, asked and answered questions from the Beta Club, then provided a tour of her office and introduction of some of her staff.

Following the tours, the Club entered the Leon County Commission Chambers, was greeted by Former Baby Rattler, Commissioner Bill Proctor who addressed the group and led them in a deep discussion on being Servant Leaders in the community. He emphasized the importance of knowing who you are and leaving a legacy. Commissioner Proctor charged each Beta Member to always stand up for what is right for everyone and not just for themselves.

Finally, the Beta Club was introduced to the longest serving African American County Judge, The Honorable Augustus Aikens. Judge Aikens spoke about his struggles and successes as a judge and shared how he felt about having the Leon County Courthouse renamed after him upon his retirement in 2024. Judge Aikens also stressed the importance of staying focused on changes in laws and in the Tallahassee communities. He challenged each student to be the change agent for FAMU DRS student body.

The National Beta Club was provided lunch, compliments of Commissioner Carolyn Cummings, and continued the dialogue with Commissioner Proctor and Judge Aikens. After lunch, everyone reentered the Commission Chambers and engaged in a medley of songs led by the Vice-President, Kailer Shaw. The day culminated with the singing of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing followed by the FAMU Alma Mater. Commissioner Proctor stated, "this kind of unity and spirit can only be found at FAMU DRS."

Beta Sponsors, Ms. Bettye "Nikie" Lindsey and Dr. Vivian Wilson was excited and thankful that the members had such a positive eye-opening experience with community leaders. FAMU DRS was represented very well.

Congratulations to Eric Brooks, 11th grade scholar at FAMU DRS, on being selected as the 2023 Sunshine State Scholar representing FAMU DRS.

Each of Florida’s school districts selects their top 11th grade students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). Each scholar, along with their parents, will travel to Orlando for an extraordinary program designed to bring together scholars from around the state, connect them with employers that specialize in the STEM fields, and create a networking opportunity between the scholars and schools from Florida’s College and State University System.


The two-day program honors each scholar for their significant academic accomplishments and celebrates the potential they represent for our communities and state. In addition to the honor the scholars receive from the Commissioner of Education, the Senior Chancellor and representatives from Florida’s colleges and universities meet with the students to discuss higher education opportunities available to them in Florida. This includes workshops for college applications and informational sessions on college funding for students and their parents!

Congratulations, Eric! We are so proud of you!

Aliyy led the Rattlers to seven Final Fours in 11 seasons, winning FHSAA state titles in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
Aliyy had a career mark of 258-62 at FAMU DRS
Aliyy was inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame in 2006.
Ahmad Aliyy, who made his home in Tallahassee since he was a star basketball guard and trailblazer at Florida State under Hugh Durham and later built the FAMU DRS girls’ basketball team into a state power, died Sunday morning.

He was 73.

The news of Aliyy's death stunned former FSU teammates and the community.

Aliyy led the Rattlers girls' basketball program to state prominence
Aliyy was a familiar face in Tallahassee, specifically on the FAMU DRS sidelines.

He led the Rattlers to seven Final Fours in 11 seasons, winning FHSAA state titles in 2004, 2012 and 2013. He also helped the program set top-5 state marks for most postseason tournament appearances, most tournament games played and most tournament games won.
Aliyy resigned following the 2014 season with a career mark of 258-62 at the school. He later served as an assistant coach at Rickards High.

"His accomplishments and dedication to the program helped to make FAMU DRS girls basketball program what it is today," current Rattlers coach Ericka Cromartie posted on Facebook Sunday afternoon.
To read more: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/local/2023/03/06/former-fsu-basketball-player-famu-drs-coach-ahmad-aliyy-passes-away/69974053007/?itm_medium=recirc&itm_source=taboola&itm_campaign=internal&itm_content=BelowHomepageFeed-FeedRedesign