PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (August 13, 2020) – When Cassondra Horn takes the stage or field, you can see her passion for dance written across her face.
“My mom actually kind of nudged me into this sport. I started dancing during my sophomore year of high school. When I got to Prairie View, I joined the Black Foxes right away, in 2016,” she said. “My experience as a Black Fox cannot be described in one word; it was fun, challenging, time-consuming, exhausting, rewarding, and so much more. Compared to other universities, PV has the best band in the land!”
The Texarkana native graduated this summer from Prairie View A&M University’s Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, officially retiring her crown as the captain of the Black Foxes.
The Black Foxes, founded in 1970, is the official dance line to the Marching Storm band, which was established 80-plus years ago. Today, the two organizations are said to be some of the “hardest working student organizations on campus.”
During her two years as captain, Horn personified the notion, taking her team to new heights.
“By consistently being the consummate performer, Cassondra took the Black Foxes to a new performance level and helped increase the notoriety of the team overall,” said Black Foxes Director Shawn Zachery.
Horn, who majored in biology and minored in chemistry, hopes to continue that same zeal within her professional career.
“I want to be an anesthesiologist. Growing up, I always wanted to be in the medical field, but I never really knew which specialty,” she said. “My mom underwent a few surgeries throughout my younger days, and I got the chance to meet her anesthesiologist and have a great and informative conversation. I have been sold on the profession ever since.”
To make that dream come true, Horn completed an internship with a neurosurgeon in Arlington during her sophomore year at PVAMU. She filled the rest of her time with heavy involvement in campus organizations.
“I participated in MAPS [PVAMU’s Minority Association of Pre-Health Students] as well as Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority. I also obtained the ‘Miss International Phi Beta Sigma 2020-2021’ title, and I won the ‘Most Outstanding Female Athlete’ award at PV Girls Rock.”
With all of those activities, Horn takes pride in achieving honors during her time at PVAMU.
“PVAMU has an incredible atmosphere and a student community that is unmatched,” said Horn. “My time was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as I’m a first-generation college student, which means setting an example for my future family. It also means a chance to break generational cycles and curses. PVAMU has helped mold me into the woman I am today, and I am forever proud that I chose to attend the best HBCU.”
Horn is set to attend graduate school this fall, where she’ll work to complete a master’s degree in education before heading off to medical school.
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