Overcoming obstacles and connecting with people seems to come naturally for Tairrque Baker. Even so, the Troy University senior said being crowned 2022 homecoming king feels surreal.
A native Lanett, Baker has always been a proud member of his community. While at college, he became the president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, a member of the SGA, an impact and parent orientation leader and a Trojan ambassador.
“Being yourself, it’ll definitely pay off,” Baker said. “I’m one of those people that worked extremely hard, but I’ve never tried to be anyone other than myself. But my parents raised me to be yourself and some day somebody is going to recognize that.”
Baker’s popularity and achievement did not begin at Troy University. Before graduating in 2019, Baker was made Mr. Lanett High School, and he carried his Lanett pride with him to college.
Though he was offered scholarships from larger schools like University of Alabama and Jacksonville State, they simply didn’t offer the campus environment that Bakerenvisioned.
“I know going to Lanett High School, it was a smaller high school,” Baker said. “I definitely wanted a smaller classroom family environment and they really offer that hereat Troy.”
Enjoying his small class sizes, Baker studied Interdisciplinary studies while at Troy and minored in Military Science. Never idle, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army after graduation.
Baker was nominated by his fellow Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. For two weeks, Baker campaigned both on campus with flyers and posters and on social media. His active presence with his classmates paid off during student voting when he made it to five remaining candidates.
