By Paola Moneymaker

TALLAHASSEE — Five Tribal students who attend Florida State University received a special invitation from FSU president Eric Barron and his wife, Molly, to attend the 61st annual FSU kickoff luncheon on Aug. 24.

During the event – which took place at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center – Tucomah Robbins, Karlito Wargolet, Jessica Osceola, Jessica Motlow and Jason Melton had the opportunity to meet members of the Alumni Association, athletic directors, football head coach Jimbo Fisher and football players.

“This is the largest number of students we have ever had to start FSU at the same time, so we are extremely proud of our students,” said Education adviser Paola Moneymaker, who traveled to Tallahassee with Virginia Garcia-Sanders, Recreation administrative assistant, for the annual event.

Each student received a $6,000 annual scholarship from FSU.

Robbins, who graduated from American Heritage School with a 3.7 GPA and 128 service hours, will pursue psychology, which was his favorite subject in high school.

“Education really is an important tool,” he said during a recent interview about his high school graduation. “As I grew up, I learned that no one can take your education away from you, and it’s one thing you can hold on to for the rest of your life.”

Naples resident Osceola, who graduated from Orange County High School in Virginia, also decided to major in psychology, while Wargolet, a Big Cypress native who graduated from American Heritage School, will major in business; Melton, of Big Cypress, is still exploring his options; and Motlow, a Tampa resident who graduated from Academy of the Holy Names, will major in sports and physical science.

“The academic side of FSU reminded me of my high school,” Motlow said of her decision to attend FSU. “I felt it would be a nice transition from high school to college.”

Also during the event, Garcia-Sanders presented president Barron with a Tribal shirt made especially for him adorned with the FSU logo and colors. He promised to wear it for homecoming.