Kevin Figgins Jr. of Murfreesboro elected 2011 Governor

GETTING TO KNOW GOVERNOR-ELECT FIGGINS

Kevin Figgins Jr. will unassumingly take his oath of office this Saturday because that’s just the kind of guy he is—a self-proclaimed normal guy. His demeanor resonated with delegates this week, so much so that members of his city and county insisted he run for the governor’s office.

“Running for election has been hard, but rewarding,” he said. “I wanted to step out from the norm.”

His appeal as a leader has been rooted in others seeing his leadership qualities through his service efforts. A rising senior at Murfreesboro’s Oakland High School, he recently won the YMCA Youth Leadership Scholarship for Rutherford County. Kevin visits hospitals and regularly participates in church mission work. He helped victims after last May’s flood and conducted canned food drives. He also was recently appointed as a leader in STARS, Students Taking A Right Stand, which focuses on violence and drug prevention.

Kevin plays baritone in his high school band and is a member of Interact and Future Business Leaders of America. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. Kevin says he didn’t know much about Boys’ State or its election process before he arrived this week. He says he believes delegates saw unique qualities in him and just saw him as a normal person.

“I sincerely thank the many people who have been behind me and pushed me to be a leader and stand up this week,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.