Megan Bonhaus and Hannah Adams had a YUUUUGE weekend. The two graduating seniors from the University of Alabama were awarded their diplomas with bachelor's degrees. They experienced a commencement address from the President of the United States. And, on Friday night, they were featured by Fox News Channel on "Jesse Watters Primetime." What a weekend.
Here is Watters' three and a half minute interview of the two stellar Bama graduates. (This is the first day they can be called "graduates.”)
Most of the questions were directed at Megan Bonhaus, on the left. She had been sitting directly behind President Trump as he made his commencement address in Coleman Coliseum. She was adorned in a red cap, signifying graduating with honors. During the Trump address, she could be seen paying rapt attention and responding with facial expressions.
Bonhaus majored in Public Relations and Spanish. She lives in Tuscaloosa and will stay at UA seeking a Master of Business Administration. She is the communications director of the Student Government Association.
Hannah Adams is the UA Homecoming Queen. She was selected as Outstanding Student by the National Alumni Association.
Adams completed a double major in Public Relations and Political Science. She was in the very first class of "Shelby Scholars," an innovative leadership training started by retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and headed by former UA trustee Finis St. John. She will continue at UA seeking an MBA.
Jesse Watters or some other national TV host needs to have these two Bama graduates back for a longer interview – maybe 30 minutes each. They both have fascinating stories.
For Bonhaus, she could tell the over century-long story of the University of Alabama's Student Government Association. It serves as a training ground for the future leaders of Alabama. It has produced governors, U.S. Senators, Congress members, state legislators, mayors, business leaders and professional success stories. To this day.
Hannah Adams has a story of recovery and encouragement. She contracted cancer at age 5, diagnosed with Stage 3 Nephroblastoma. A grapefruit-sized tumor was found on her left kidney. She underwent radiation, 28 weeks of chemotherapy, two blood transfusions, and an eight-hour surgery to remove her tumorous left kidney.
Hannah was blessedly diagnosed as cancer-free and remains cancer-free.
Bonhaus told Watters the Trump speech at the UA commencement was "only the best night ever," adding, "He kept reiterating the importance of doing what you love – that is your path to being successful. He said treat every day like it's a home game, which is very fitting as we go to Alabama."
"We both sat on the front row, and I felt like it was a very personal conversation that we were having with him. It was unlike anything I've ever been to," she stated, telling Watters, "Something that I really took away is that President Trump believes in our generation. He told us not to let people doubt us because we're young, but to set an example and pursue our American dream."
When asked if there were anti-Trump students who turned their backs or threw their caps, Bonhaus said "no," but added, "The University of Alabama is a place where there's all different walks of life. You can speak your mind in whatever you do. There were protests yesterday. They were able to protest in whatever way they wanted to. We hear them, and we listen to them."
Watters facetiously asked Hannah Adams if she wished she had gone to Harvard.
She replied, "Last night (the Trump speech) affirmed that I picked the right school for me. … That President Trump wanted to come to Alabama speaks volumes of the prestige that we have here in the state and across the SEC."
Watters and the two graduates all ended with a "Roll Tide."
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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