PROSPECT — Calvin L. Gray has announced he is running for the Prince Edward Board of Supervisors Prospect District.

“First of all, I have what I believe the leadership skills to become effective in that role as a supervisor,” he said, when asked why he wanted to become a supervisor. “I believe that my past experiences, my administrative experiences, give me the vision to look down the road and anticipate what we need to develop a strong, vibrant community,” Gray stated. “And so I believe with all my heart I have the tools and the skills, the experience and the knowledge to be effective in the role…of a supervisor,” Gray said.

“And, most profoundly, I want to do it because I love serving my community and I think this would be one of the most significant way I could…further impact my community in a positive way,” he said. “That’s why I want to serve.”

Gray was born in Williamsburg and attended Lafayette High School, obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Union University in social work and has an endorsement in sociology. He has a Masters from Longwood University in school administration leadership and a doctorate in Theology from Triune University.

Gray worked for the Prince Edward County Public Schools where he worked with at-risk students, was an assistant then head football coach, as the assistant and then principal at the high school, administrative assistant to the superintendent, and (when the then principal had a military tour, as principal at the middle school.

Gray has been pastoring for 23 years, first starting at High Bridge in Rice, then called to New Jerusalem in Evergreen, where he has been for 21 years.

He and his wife Sandra have three adult children (educated in Prince Edward County Public Schools) and four grandchildren (two of which attend the County’s elementary school).

Gray has been traveling to Guatemala for the past 12 years working with Hope of Life Ministry to try to help build schools, homes, provide wells and are currently working to build a hospital in the area of work. He offers that he is very much involved in the community relative to the Southside Family YMCA where he serves on the board and as vice-president, serves on the board for Southside Centra Hospital and is vice President of Centra’s Pace program.

He is a supporter of community involvement and says he is very much involved “as many ways as I can be.”

“I believe I possess the necessary leadership skills necessary to be an effective member of the board. I have served Prince Edward County for over 30 years in many capacities such as teacher, head football coach, school administrator, small business owner, pastor and deputy sheriff, I have also served on many county boards and subcommittees,” Gray said in a release.

“My wife and I have lived in the Prospect District for the majority of our adult life. This is where we have raised our family. I hold this district and the County dear to my heart. If elected, I will work with the commitment and concern for all citizens and business owners of Prince Edward County at large, while listening and striving to fulfill needs.”