CLF | Fellows Verhonda Crawford 2011
Verhonda Crawford (Government)
Scholastic/Career Ambition:
1. Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law Degree
2. Mayor of Chesnee
3. Television News Anchor for a Major Network
When 20 year old Chesnee native Verhonda Crawford took her elected seat on Chesnee City Council in July 2010, she became the youngest person to ever serve on the council. This feat further defies the imagination because she did it while still in school, a junior at the time, at Gardner Webb University. Verhonda knew in approaching her quest to elected office, while still in college, that it would require a keen focus and unwavering determination. This is nothing new for the 2011 graduate who majored in Public Relations.
The Chesnee Hometown News talked with Crawford about her decision to enter politics and about that first year on council. “I was motivated to run for city council because I have lived in Chesnee my entire life and the town and community has given me a lot. I want to give something back and I felt like it was a good time for change.” Crawford described her election campaign as “intimate and personalized” and said, “I walked door to door and just got in front of people when I could. I didn’t just ask for a vote, but I also encouraged people to just get out and vote regardless of their choice of candidate. When I won by one vote in a runoff I remember being so excited but also very proud. This town took a leap of faith with me and I am still honored to this day.” Crawford has maintained a desire to continue on in electoral politics and we may see her, in the not so distant future, in Congress. While continuing to serve the City of Chesnee, Verhonda plans on attending the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her experience as a seasoned public servant along with a legal education will certainly bode her well in her very bright and promising future.
Verhonda Crawford- a 2011 Charter Fellow of the Community Leadership Forum
CLF Fellows | Jocelyn Roper 2011
Jocelyn Roper (Educator, Media)
Scholastic/Career Ambition:
1. Master of Administrative Education Degree;
2. PhD in Education /
3. Education Expert/Media Personality and Talk Show Host
Jocelyn received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a Certification in Learning Disabilities from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2009. The former Carolina Panthers Cheerleader had taught in Spartanburg County District 3 since graduating from Upstate until this year. During her run for the 2011 Miss South Carolina Crown this year, Jocelyn’s natural talents were recognized by a television studio in Savannah, GA and she was extended the opportunity to make the tough decision of a career change. “It was a huge career change, but one I had been praying for (television). I will miss teaching, but I look forward to acquiring new knowledge and opportunities here in South Georgia.” Jocelyn worked as a Fourth Grade teacher at the Cliffdale Elementary School in Spartanburg and dedicated herself to a number of community organizations through her volunteerism and leadership. Jocelyn also committed herself to establishing a vehicle to help the young women of the Spartanburg community as a result of her participating in the Miss America Pageant process. Of all the ways you could succeed in your life, why have you chosen to succeed in the Miss America Pageant? “Success is achieved by creating win-win situations.
I am currently in the process of founding a 501(c) 3, tax exempt, nonprofit organization myself. I recognize the greatest potential to build strength in the nonprofit sector is through networking with existing nonprofit organizations having likenesses in their mission statements. My organization named with the acronym, GREAT (Girls Reaching for Education, Achievement, & Triumph), is designed to open doors for young women from grammar to high school ages enriching their lives with exposure to educational outlets, cultural events, artistic performance techniques, and opportunities to serve others. Success in the Miss America Organization has empowered me to link these two nonprofits for the greater good of each; a win-win situation.
Jocelyn Roper- a 2011 Charter Fellow of the Community Leadership Forum
