It’s been more than a year since voters elected Megan L. Clark as their commonwealth’s attorney in Prince Edward, and just about a year since she took the historic oath of office as the first African-American and female to hold the position.

Clark, who proudly touts herself as a graduate of Prince Edward County High School and Longwood University, has made good on many of her campaign promises, working hard to prosecute criminals according to the letter of the law and represent the people of Prince Edward. And I think she’s done a great job.

One aspect of Clark’s work has touched the community in a unique way: her successful public outreach efforts.

In the wake of nationwide shooting attacks on police and civilian deaths at the hands of law enforcement, Clark organized a memorial in July for those who had lost their lives in the incidents and a discussion between the community and police.

The event was highly successful, and brought together police and the community for a very constructive and engaging input and feedback session for law enforcement representing numerous agencies and civilians from all walks of life.

“I said from the very beginning I want to have more of a community presence, and I do,” Clark said then.

Again standing by her word on wanting an increased community presence, Clark is set to host a public forum on sentencing options Thursday at the Farmville Train Station.

Again bringing the community together to better understand an often-misunderstood issue, the forum’s panel will focus on how the court comes up with criminal punishments and sentencing options to help the public better understand the topic.

Other elected officials in Prince Edward and the surrounding counties could learn valuable lessons from this young woman on how to serve their constituents and the public.

Jordan Miles is the senior staff writer for The Farmville Herald. His email address is jordan.miles@farmvilleherald.com.