In an adventure "Under the Sea," Miss Claflin University 2008-2009 Chrishele Kingdom was crowned during her coronation Oct. 30 in the W.V.M. Fine Arts Auditorium.

Using the theme from the animated movie "The Little Mermaid," Miss Claflin and the campus queens were surrounded by scenes from the ocean, including Kingdom's grand entrance from inside a clam shell.

In her remarks, Kingdom thanked her family, President Dr. Henry N. and Mrs. Tisdale and the Claflin family for their support.

"Wearing this crown to represent Claflin University is an honor and a dream come true," she said. "I love representing Claflin in all that I do."

Dr. Tisdale said Kingdom will uphold the office and represent Claflin in the tradition of excellence.

"The university thanks her for serving as a symbol of academic leadership, commitment, character and confidence," Tisdale said. "These are qualities that reflect the Claflin University student, and we also salute Ms. Kingdom for displaying grace, intellect and beauty."

Kingdom is a native of Summerville by way of San Diego, Calif. She is a senior early childhood education major at the university.

The 21-year-old is the daughter of Ray and Phyllis Kingdom Jr. Kingdom was born July 20, 1987, in North Charleston. Due to her father's career in the United States Navy, her life has been full of new places and adventures. She has resided in North Charleston; Jeannette, Pa.; St. Mary's, Ga.; San Diego and Summerville. She attended Serra Junipero High School in San Diego and graduated from Summerville High School in Summerville.

Since becoming a student at Claflin, Kingdom has been an active member of the Pre-Alumni Council and currently serves as the national president.

She has served as an ambassador for Claflin University at the taping of UNCF's "An Evening of Stars" and was also included in the 2007-2008 edition of "Who's Who Among College Students."

Still, she said one of her most memorable moments was being accepted to present and defend her thesis at an international conference in Singapore.

Additionally, Kingdom is a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. She also works closely with the Freshman College. Kingdom's philosophy in life is, "We are who we imagine ourselves to be," and every day, she said she strives to soar above expectations by being open-minded and ready to try anything.

 

Special to The T&D

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