Home SPORTS News Articles - Sanford Herald Contact

Roni Alexis Graham

Multi-Media Journalism and Communications.

Student at Florida A&M University

Read some of my words below!

Roni1.graham@famu.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/ro...


Sanford Herald •

Omari Jones is on the Road to Olympic Gold

One of this year’s Olympic athletes hails from central Florida. Orlando native Omari Jones has qualified to participate in the 71kg boxing tournament at the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11.

Jones’ accomplishments are a testament to the hard work he has put in since he was 8 years old. The 21-year-old’s consistency, dedication, and support from his strong circle led to him qualifying for this summer. In March, Omari secured his spot with a 4-1 decision against Nishant Dev at the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The new Olympian will be heading to the official training center in Colorado on June 1. He will then take on Paris.
Sanford Herald •

Colonial Room in Sanford Gets a Refresh

Colonial Room & Restaurant in downtown Sanford has been working hard to upgrade and rejuvenate their business, and they are so eager for all of the city to come and visit.

Colonial Room has been serving the community since 1977 and the owner, Michele Simoneaux says she wants the store and restaurant to continue to be a safe place. With some new construction, candy, and crafts, the restaurant is reaching a whole new level for their customers’ pleasure. The interactions seen between the business’s staff truly reflect the feeling of family and they have a hope to share that love with everyone.
Journey Magazine •

FAMU Football Is Officially Back

Football for Florida A&M University is more than just a sport and with the start of the season against Jackson State, it’s finally back in full effect.

The deep roots and history of the game is an experience students cherish long after their time at FAMU. The meaningful traditions that come along with the football games each fall ignite an unexplainable euphoria for the students and the season postponement last year due to COVID-19 has spiked anticipation. For students and alumni, football game
KnightNews.com •

NEW CHAPTER IN WAR ON I-4 —

Tuesday night was fuel added to the War on I-4 fire. The Knight’s took on the Bulls in a crucial NIT match up, marking their 4th recent appearance in the tournament. Even with passionate effort, the Knights fell short to their familiar foes in a close end of 83-77. This game was the determiner on the continuation of Knight’s season.

The stadium was filled with fronds, fans and students from both sides including those who traveled from Tampa adding to the intensity of the renewed rivalry after c
Sanford Herald •

Cement-Clogged Drain Worries Longwood Residents

A Longwood neighborhood fears the outcome of hurricane Debby and severe weather after their neighbor clogged the drain pipes with cement. The residents of Shadowbay have been struggling with lack of drainage since their neighbor blocked the only pipe in the area back in March.

The woman sent out a letter stating her plans. “Please be advise that I reside at (Shadowbay address). I am downgrade from all of you in your residential community. At some point in time in the past, a drainpipe was installed in my property, without my permission. It drains the road in front of me and also a number of upgraded houses to whom I am sending a copy of this letter,” she said.
Sanford Herald •

Children’s Hands-On Learning Opportunities in Sanford

Seminole County 4-H, a youth development program in partnership with Seminole County Government and University of Florida IFAS Extension, continues to offer enriching opportunities for youth to learn and grow outside of the classroom. Through hands-on experiences, this youth development program is designed to help children and teens develop valuable life-skills.

A large variety of activities are offered by the program and focus on public speaking, food and nutrition, agricultural science, gardening, and leadership. The non-profit emphasizes these activities aimed at helping young participants discover their interests and passions.
Sanford Herald •

Sanford City Commission Sides with Denial of Heritage Park Development

A rare occurrence took place during the City Commissioners’ meeting on Monday. A cross examination was conducted in hopes of obtaining consideration for an appeal following a denial of the development of Heritage Park. Heritage Park is an expansion idea that was proposed in 2017 by Sanford Waterfront Partners. The designers presented goals for a bustling Downtown Sanford with a hope for new apartments, restaurants and overall upgrade of the area on Lake Monroe.

Seven years later, little progress has been made for the plan. The project leader, Richard Heisenbottle, stated the lack of funding from the city is a big cause for the delay. The consideration of appeal of the Denial Development Order was filed by attorney John Polenberg to represent the Sanford Waterfront Partners.
KnightNews.com •

UCF HOOKS ‘EM —

The Knights have gained momentum after a significant win against the Texas Longhorns, securing a historic first road victory in Big 12 Play. With 11:59 left in the game, fans anxiously watched as UCF found themselves trailing 59-46.

Texas built a 44-32 gap by halftime, with Ithiel Horton’s shots stretching the lead. UCF’s Shemari Allen’s consecutive jumpers quickly closed the gap, alongside Jaylin Sellers contributing 24 points. Allen put up a total of 17 points, with 15 of them in the half tha
Sanford Herald •

Changing Lives, One Wish at a Time

The Wishing For A Hero Foundation has goals to make a large impact on the Central Florida community. August 5th was their 3rd annual back-to-school drive where children got free supplies.

Many kids in underprivileged communities face struggles at home, and the challenges often outweigh opportunities. Nate Jefferson, a former Florida International University student-athlete and recent graduate has been working and steadfast to reshape this reality, and as quickly as possible.
Journey Magazine •

Anisah Douglas Defines Love, Fashion & Basketball

A fashion show: one of the most popular ways Florida A&M University is described when it comes to the culture created by the university. With FAMU being a mecca for all things fashion and style, it’s no surprise that the student-athletes bring a captivating flair to the environments they step into.

Anisah Douglas, a senior psychology student, represents athletes with a passion for fashion. Her love for putting together unique pieces allows her to find ways to showcase her distinct style wheneve
Load More
Sanford Herald •

Omari Jones is on the Road to Olympic Gold

One of this year’s Olympic athletes hails from central Florida. Orlando native Omari Jones has qualified to participate in the 71kg boxing tournament at the Summer 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11.

Jones’ accomplishments are a testament to the hard work he has put in since he was 8 years old. The 21-year-old’s consistency, dedication, and support from his strong circle led to him qualifying for this summer. In March, Omari secured his spot with a 4-1 decision against Nishant Dev at the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The new Olympian will be heading to the official training center in Colorado on June 1. He will then take on Paris.
Sanford Herald •

Sanford City Commission Sides with Denial of Heritage Park Development

A rare occurrence took place during the City Commissioners’ meeting on Monday. A cross examination was conducted in hopes of obtaining consideration for an appeal following a denial of the development of Heritage Park. Heritage Park is an expansion idea that was proposed in 2017 by Sanford Waterfront Partners. The designers presented goals for a bustling Downtown Sanford with a hope for new apartments, restaurants and overall upgrade of the area on Lake Monroe.

Seven years later, little progress has been made for the plan. The project leader, Richard Heisenbottle, stated the lack of funding from the city is a big cause for the delay. The consideration of appeal of the Denial Development Order was filed by attorney John Polenberg to represent the Sanford Waterfront Partners.
KnightNews.com •

NEW CHAPTER IN WAR ON I-4 —

Tuesday night was fuel added to the War on I-4 fire. The Knight’s took on the Bulls in a crucial NIT match up, marking their 4th recent appearance in the tournament. Even with passionate effort, the Knights fell short to their familiar foes in a close end of 83-77. This game was the determiner on the continuation of Knight’s season.

The stadium was filled with fronds, fans and students from both sides including those who traveled from Tampa adding to the intensity of the renewed rivalry after c
KnightNews.com •

UCF HOOKS ‘EM —

The Knights have gained momentum after a significant win against the Texas Longhorns, securing a historic first road victory in Big 12 Play. With 11:59 left in the game, fans anxiously watched as UCF found themselves trailing 59-46.

Texas built a 44-32 gap by halftime, with Ithiel Horton’s shots stretching the lead. UCF’s Shemari Allen’s consecutive jumpers quickly closed the gap, alongside Jaylin Sellers contributing 24 points. Allen put up a total of 17 points, with 15 of them in the half tha
Sanford Herald •

Changing Lives, One Wish at a Time

The Wishing For A Hero Foundation has goals to make a large impact on the Central Florida community. August 5th was their 3rd annual back-to-school drive where children got free supplies.

Many kids in underprivileged communities face struggles at home, and the challenges often outweigh opportunities. Nate Jefferson, a former Florida International University student-athlete and recent graduate has been working and steadfast to reshape this reality, and as quickly as possible.
Journey Magazine •

FAMU Football Is Officially Back

Football for Florida A&M University is more than just a sport and with the start of the season against Jackson State, it’s finally back in full effect.

The deep roots and history of the game is an experience students cherish long after their time at FAMU. The meaningful traditions that come along with the football games each fall ignite an unexplainable euphoria for the students and the season postponement last year due to COVID-19 has spiked anticipation. For students and alumni, football game
Journey Magazine •

Anisah Douglas Defines Love, Fashion & Basketball

A fashion show: one of the most popular ways Florida A&M University is described when it comes to the culture created by the university. With FAMU being a mecca for all things fashion and style, it’s no surprise that the student-athletes bring a captivating flair to the environments they step into.

Anisah Douglas, a senior psychology student, represents athletes with a passion for fashion. Her love for putting together unique pieces allows her to find ways to showcase her distinct style wheneve
The Famuan •

Rattlers on a roll at right time

The Florida A & M men’s baseball team has waded into uncharted waters this season, as they’ve competed amidst a global pandemic. Throughout the season, the team has found a way to maintain focus while facing adversity.

The Rattlers are currently fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings. Players are adjusting mentally and physically, taking necessary precautions to play in such an unorthodox season. The team has made proper adjustments and is following vital regulations to keep th
Journey Magazine •

FAMU Women's Wrestling Team Deserves Recognition

With a start in 2002, Thomas White cultivated the first official women’s wrestling team at Florida A&M University. This was done before any other historically Black college or university.

With a title that holds such great significance, the Rattlers on this team often feel that they are in need of more recognition. With FAMU Athletics not having the team listed on the site, or an official roster, the ladies’ hard work often goes unnoticed.

The lack of support is visible within the university.
Journey Magazine •

Living In A Heteronormative Society As Bisexual

Indecisive, confused, greedy are words that people who identify as bisexual have become accustomed to hearing. While comprising over half of the population that make up the LGBTQ community, bisexuals still often feel as if their experiences are invalidated and that the projection of heteronormativity in society exiles them in ways that are casually glanced over.

Heteronormativity is the embedded belief that heterosexual relationships are the only norm for sexuality and a doctrine that has place
Journey Magazine •

COVID-19 Intensifies the Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Loss of hope, fear of illness, massive unemployment and an uptick in economic concerns have overwhelmed the nation. The global pandemic has brought 67 million cases and over a million deaths. The world is facing the sobering outcome of COVID-19. Society is mourning the lives lost and communities have sunken into despair. All of this is amidst a recurring depression that takes place every year for some as the winter season approaches.

As the winter sets in, for many it is a time for holiday chee
Journey Magazine •

For First-Time Voters, Election 2020 Was Crucial

In one of the most polarizing elections in modern history, citizens across the nation voted in the middle of a global pandemic and against the backdrop of unprecedented social unrest. For first-time voters, this election was their first time playing a part in making a significant change. After years and years of witnessing injustice, college freshmen were able to take that first step towards being the next great movement.

A few first-time freshmen voters spoke about their thoughts on casting th

Contact Me

My inbox is always open, you can contact me with the contact form here