BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

A third-year student at the University of Florida is seeking support from his hometown family to help him fulfill his lifelong dream.

LaVaughn King would like the opportunity to study abroad, Paris specifically, in the summer, May 19 to June 29, 2012 during its UF Hip Hop Culture in Paris Program. “It has been a dream of mine since I was 6 years old,” he said via telephone.

The son of Ms. Shannon (Mona) Jamison, LaVaughn said his mom always told him “that education is the key to success and with that key I could unlock any dream,” he says. The Tampa Bay Tech graduate is currently pursuing dual degrees in Marketing and Information Systems Technology. He currently holds a 3.59 GPA.

During this trip, LaVaughn will have the opportunity to earn 8 credits, attend 3 hip hop concerts, visit hip hop stores and museum among other activities.

To get started, LaVaughn needs $250 to be paid by March 1, 2012. The total cost of the program is $5,785.00, but does not include the round-trip airfare, some meals and additional travel expenses.

Because of its theme, LaVaughn is more than prepared for the music.

“Music is used to convey the struggle and search for love. Now, everyone in the industry is trying to ‘ball so hard.’ I recently established AO Lovers, a musical organization devoted to embracing all walks of life, enlightening human beings about endless possibilities and empowering the youth to work harder and become more innovative than any generation that has come before us, while spreading the love of our Father.

“I wish to spread the love from the Projects to Paris. I pray that I’m able to unlock the dream that I have during UF Hip Hop in Paris,” he said.

Donations can be sent to LaVaughn at: LaVaughn King 2611B, 4640 SW 18th Place, Gainesville, FL 32607. For additional information on him or the program email vaughnkingh24@gmail.com.

Pictured: LAVAUGHN KING And fellow Gator, Shayla C. Davis