On Friday evening, the Livingstone College Athletics community gathered in elegance and remembrance for the 2nd Annual TyNiece Sutton Gala, a celebration of academic excellence among student-athletes. The event, held in honor of TyNiece Sutton, the beloved former Assistant to the Athletic Director, was more than just a ceremony—it was a tribute to her vision, her heart, and her unwavering commitment to student success.

Before her passing, TyNiece had begun laying the foundation for this gala, determined to recognize student-athletes who excelled not only on the field but in the classroom. Her dream came to life once again, as 133 student-athletes were honored for achieving a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a testament to their discipline, resilience, and dedication.

Athletic Director Huff reflected on the significance of the evening, saying: "TyNiece Sutton was the heartbeat of our department. Her passion for student-athletes and her commitment to excellence continue to inspire us. This gala is a reflection of her spirit, and we are honored to carry her legacy forward."

As the program unfolded, the audience was reminded that TyNiece's legacy is not only being preserved—but actively carried forward. Assistant to the Athletic Director Kayla Symone Price, who has taken the lead in organizing the gala, shared: "I take pride in taking over this event and I'm proud to carry on her legacy—generation after generation. TyNiece laid the foundation, and it's our duty to build upon it with love, honor, and purpose."

The evening shimmered with pride as names were called, and applause echoed through the venue. Among those recognized:
3.0–3.5 GPA Honorees

• Bowling: Sahara Attucks, Brianna Pierce, TyAnna Robinson
• Cheer: Adriana Sloan, JNari Grace, Imani Chase, Alexis Shelton
• Football: Jaxon Barnett, Darius Bethea, Chris Brown, Christopher Burnette, Malachi Coleman, Nasir Coles, Virgil Davis, Corey Deas, Keyon Garner, Kah'Mari Hill, Tavion Jackson, Dallas Johnson, Bruce Jones, Tristan McClary, Caleb Ordogne, Jordan Paul, Dontavious Phillips, Javon Pray, Kobe Pringle, Jayden Reeder, Davyn Reid, Calvin Scott, Velson Seide, Sammy Smith, Olufemi Sode, Maliq Staten, Caleb Stokes, Antonio Walthour, Chris Washington, Mekhi Wharton, Anthony Williams, Jason Zapata
• Golf: Denis Asaba, Michael Alunga, Christopher Baguma, Joshua Cochran, Antonio Jofferion
• Men's Basketball: Justin Baxter, Leon Cain III, Erick Coffey, Jeremiah Mobley, Wisdom Rogers, Andrae Shaw
• Men's Cross Country: Trevor Hyman, Brandon Jeffers
• Men's Track & Field: Justin Alexis, Twymon Arnold, Denzel Ashiyi, Zyon Black, Ameer Burgman, Marqui Cheeks, Dennis Clarke, Jordan Crain, Joshua Demosthenes, Jamari Dortch-Johnson, Jaquan Fallin, Christian Gibbs, Hunter Howard, Richard Johnson, Deven Lewis, Lamarion Linton, Darrell White, Zalyn Myers, Savion Simmons, Anthony Sims, Darren Wharton
• Softball: Trine Bracey, Dayjah Jones, Nyla Lowery, Gabriella Munoz, Lanise Pates, Khala Porter, Alyse Stokes, Rylee Watson, Sinai Cisneros
• Tennis: Giianna Felder, Monica Padron, Shonte Sargeant
• Volleyball: Victoria Crayton, Bayler Davis, Penelope Johnson, MacKenzie Morgan, Jessica Lawson, Laci Mathews, Love Riley, Taylor Ward, Brianna Williams, Kyra Woods
• Women's Basketball: Boston Bates, Breasia Coit, Rachael Cherrington, Maya Gray, Nielle Reaves
• Women's Cross Country: A'Maya Williams, Madison Campbell
• Women's Track & Field: MyKya Bing, Olivia Lawrence, Thomyka Valcent, Aleisia Robinson, Keneah Romney, Destiny Ross-Bates, Abigail West, Harmony Clark, Ty'Kira Garrett, Tamia Holmes

4.0 GPA Honorees

• Bowling: Olivia Lee
• Football: Omoruyi Aliu-Otokiti, Jordan Downey, Christopher Garrett, Rkish Hyppolite, Alfredo Sotelo, De'Maurion Stewart
• Men's Basketball: Ta-Jae Jenkins, James Lewis
• Men's Cross Country: Mohamed Faro, Eragon Tijerina
• Men's Track & Field: Quinn Barber
• Tennis: Aida Garba
• Volleyball: Mya Dalpiaz, Madalyn Jones, Masa Simovic
• Women's Basketball: Jasiyah Crawford
• Women's Track & Field: Sabrena Hogan, Nariah Johnson-Furr

The evening was elevated by the presence of special guest alumnus Ben Coates, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Blue Bears. The keynote address was delivered by Ericia Turner, whose words stirred hearts and reminded everyone of the power of perseverance and purpose.
 
A Grateful Acknowledgment to Our Sponsors
The gala would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend heartfelt thanks to:

• Dr. WM Stephen Furr with Atrium Health
• NC Medicaid
• Joy and Andre Springs
• Steve Wisemen Catering
• Communities in Schools Rowan County
• Ideal Development Transformation
• Ben Coates
• The Price Family of Davidson, NC
• The Sutton Family
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Xi Chapter, Spring '17

As the night drew to a close, the spirit of TyNiece Sutton lingered in every smile, every cheer, and every embrace. Her legacy lives on in the students she believed in, the event she envisioned, and the excellence she inspired.