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2025 Father of the Year. As a single father, Head Start has been a lifeline for both me and my children. Through the program, I’ve volunteered and served in leadership roles including Vice President of the Parent Committee, Vice Chair of the Policy Council, and liaison to the SHARE Board of Directors.
I’m especially proud to have helped develop the Father Engagement program, creating opportunities for other dads to connect and support their children’s early education. Being involved in activities like the self-assessment, community needs assessment, and budget planning has given me a stronger voice—and helped me grow as a parent and leader.
Head Start has empowered me to be more than just a participant—it’s helped me become a better father, advocate, and example for others.
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2025 National Ron Herndon Scholarship for Head Start Parent Award Recipient. Crystal is truly an Agent of Change—a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, an Author, Ordained Prophet, Certified Master Life Coach, and Innovator. She passionately serves God and lives to uplift others. A proud mother of five and a loving “Gammy” to three beautiful grandchildren, Crystal’s life is a testament to faith, resilience, and purpose. One of her favorite quotes captures her heart: “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody, who can save anybody.”
In her role as Director of Programs for Women at Soteria CDC—a reentry transitional housing program—Crystal helps formerly incarcerated women reintegrate into society with dignity and support. She now returns to prisons, not only to teach but to reach hearts that were in emotional, spiritual, and mental bondage long before physical incarceration. Through her curriculum, “Overcoming Identity Crisis,” she helps others discover their identity in Christ.
Crystal is driven by a deep desire to see lives transformed—healed, delivered, and restored—so that each person may walk in their God-given identity and fulfill their divine purpose.
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2024 Head Start Father of the Year Award Recipient – Father, Leader, and Advocate.
My name is James Beeks, and I am the proud father of JaQuan, who is currently enrolled at the Easley Bridge Road (EBR) Head Start Center in Greenville, SC. As a man, my core values are rooted in being dedicated to my family and answering the call to serve wherever I’m needed. To me, fatherhood is a celebration of the unique and powerful bond between a father and his children. I believe that in order to earn respect, a father must first give it.
As a parent volunteer and mentor, I’ve committed my time to support teachers in the classroom and on field trips. I was honored to be nominated by fellow parents to serve as the President of the Parent Committee and as a Male Engagement Ambassador for our Head Start program. In these roles, I’ve helped coordinate several male-focused initiatives, including our Annual Father Engagement Tailgate, High Five Fridays, and the 50 Men Challenge.
Head Start has provided me and my family with countless leadership opportunities that I deeply appreciate. I’ve had the privilege of participating in both the NHSA Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Conference and the SCSHSA Annual Male Engagement Conference. These experiences have connected me with other fathers and father figures, allowing us to share our journeys, learn from each other, and grow together.
I live by the belief that every father should remember: one day, his son will follow his example—not just his advice.
My motto: Show up. Be present.
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Scholarship for Head Start Parent Award. Leaving an abusive relationship was the hardest, yet most vital decision I ever made. For years, I felt trapped—emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. But when I realized my children were watching and learning from me, I found the strength to break free and create a safer, more hopeful future for us.
Starting over came with challenges—financial hardship, emotional healing, and raising three children alone. Still, I held onto my reason for leaving and kept pushing forward. Determined to build a better life, I pursued my dream of becoming a nurse.
Balancing school, work, and motherhood tested me daily, but with resilience and faith, I kept going. Today, as I near graduation, I no longer see just the struggle—I see the strength. I am a survivor, a provider, and a role model for my children, proving that even in the hardest times, we can rise, heal, and thrive. Thank you Head Start for supporting me through it all.
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Ms. Shavonna Laning is the mother of four children. She has 2 children in the SHARE program. One attends North Greenville Head Start and the other attends Watkins Road Early Head Start. She has one child in high school (who also attended North Greenville Head Start), as well as another in middle school. During the pandemic Ms. Shavonna worked a full -time job, and managed to be a part of her children's educational goals. Ms. Shavonna joined all Zoom Classes with both children at the SHARE program. She attended The Ladies Lounge, The Parent Cafe, Financial Literacy Classes, The Triple P Classes and Cooking with Chef Kelvin.
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Scholarship for Head Start Graduate Award. Reece Wilson is the epitome of Head Start Success! He is an outstanding student who began his academic excellence as a student in SHARE’s Head Start program. After his years at Head Start, Reece was dually enrolled in high school and Greenville Technical College, where he earned 21 college credit hours. He is currently a freshman at Furman University, majoring in Biology on the Environmental Science track, with a strong interest in studying environmental quality and its impact on human and animal health. Reece maintains a 3.83 GPA and was named to the 2024 Dean’s List. His academic achievements, commitment to service, and passion for environmental science make him a deserving recipient of the Scholarship for Head Start Graduate Award.
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2025 Parent of the Year. Being part of Clemson Head Start for the past four years has been a true blessing for me and my family. This program has not only supported my children’s growth, but also helped me grow as a parent and as a person. Serving as Vice President and now President of our Parent Committee has given me the chance to lead, support other parents, and stay fully engaged in our center’s activities.
With the encouragement and resources from Head Start, I’ve reached major life goals, like earning my LPN and Associate’s Degree in Science, and even achieving homeownership. I continue to advocate for my children and volunteer whenever I can. Clemson Head Start has been more than a program—it’s been a family. I’m honored to be part of it.
