“I’m going to represent you well,” said 2010-2011 Mr. A&T, Todd Porter Feb. 27 at the 2nd Annual Mister NC A&T State University farewell program.

The event was held in Harrison auditorium and was designed to highlight and showcase the talents Porter will display at the 7th Annual Mr. HBCU Kings and Leadership program in St. Louis, MS on March 6.

“He is the epitome of a Mr. A&T,” said SGA president and Master of the Ceremony, Wayne Kimball.  Though the crowd was small he kept them involved and interested throughout the program.  

Porter made his debut in act one of the program entitled Oratory.  During this act he performed a speech.  Kimball later explained that this portion of the presentation, in Missouri, would be judged on articulation, projection and presentation.

Couture word was next on the program.  They held a brief performance opening with spoken word and following up with spiritual dancers and a small group singing Kirk Franklin’s “Jesus You’re my Everything.”

Act two, the talent portion, featured Porter in casual attire showcasing a mix of him singing Musiq Soulchild’s “Beautiful” and spoken word.  This portion will be judged in St. Louis on confidence, delivery, originality, and attire.  

Next there was a special presentation for Porter by the class kings.  A PowerPoint of special moments in Porter’s life served as the backdrop as a member of Couture word sang Reuben Studdard’s “Flying without Wings,” and the class kings simultaneously quoted “Invictus” a poem by William E. Henley.

After a brief intermission, Porter graced the stage in his formal wear for Act three, the question and answer portion.  After modeling his formal wear a bit, new SGA advisor Jasmine McInnis asked Porter a series of questions.  The first question asked who he was; he responded, “I am a son, student, man, child of God, and Mr. Agricultural and Technical State University.”

Another question asked what organization has been the most influential to him and how he will apply that influence to his everyday life? In a very poised manner, Porter expressed that he believed a HBCU to be an organization as a whole so at A&T he has grown as a mentor and leader; he will carry what he has learned to his big organization of his family and life.

Then came the special presentations portion of the program where guest gave Porter advice, gifts, and wished him luck for the March 6 competition.  Presentations came from his girlfriend, the sophomore class e-board, the 2010-11 Sankofa administration, members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and inspirational words from master of the ceremony, Kimball.

However, Porter’s mother and stepfather filled the room with emotion and tears as they expressed how proud they were of their son.  “Remember to keep God first,” said Porter’s mom.

Closing the program, Porter showed his gratitude to audience members and loved ones.  The program ended with the Alma Mater led by Mr. and Mrs. A&T.  

New SGA advisor, McInnis emphasized the importance of students knowing the Alma Mater and ensured it would be recited at the close of every SGA meeting.

• Shequia Cole