Mr. and Miss Claflin have service goals

Miss Claflin India Rice

Seniors Khari Graham and India Rice share the same goals -- helping students and representing Claflin University.

 The two were elected as Mister and Miss Claflin by the student body.

Seniors Khari Graham and India Rice share the same goals -- helping students and representing Claflin University.

The two were elected as Mister and Miss Claflin by the student body.

Graham said even if some of their goals differ, the main one is serving students.

Being on the same page has translated to successes.

Over the summer, they along with royal court members went to Louisiana, where they won three awards: the HBCU kings and queens award, the newcomer award and the royal choice award.

The two are looking forward to building on the foundation of the previous royal courts.

Mr. Claflin Khari Graham

Khari is from Brunson, S.C. He has a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.

Khari is well known around campus. In his free time, he likes to listen to music, watch TV and talk to friends.

Khari is a proud member of the Delta Alpha chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

At the university’s annual Matriculation Day, Khari gave a few words of encouragement to the class of 2027.

“You are not just joining an institution, you are becoming a part of a community that values honesty and integrity,” he said.

He ran for the position because he looked up to his best friend, last year’s Mr. Claflin. He liked what his predecessor was doing, making him want to run.

He went on to say that last year’s Mister Claflin was a leader, that he spoke well, and that he was all around a great guy so him being around him from the beginning since it was his best friend made his decision easier.

His goal is to bridge the gap between students and counselors. The way he wants to do this is hold events in a comfortable setting so they can meet.

Miss Claflin India Rice

India Rice is from Greenwood. She is a political science major and philosophy and religion minor.

Her goal is to make sure students are aware of social issues outside of campus.

She stated that she wants students, specifically women to be aware of why the representation of women from all backgrounds in politics is important.

She also wants students to know even though we are a majority on campus it is different when we leave the university and being prepared is important.

She ran for the office because she saw the previous Miss Claflin’s and what they were doing. That made her want to try her hand at the role.

She loved the fact that even though they all shared the same position everyone remained true to who they are and that inspired her to not feel the pressure to be perfect at her position but to grow in it.

In her free time, she likes to listen to podcasts and sit in her room.

During the Matriculation Day ceremony, India reminded students that they are “embarking on a path that will shape your future.”

She said it’s the “beginning of an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities, personal growth and academic excellence.”

She also has some advice for future Miss Claflins: Do not let previous people affect your reign and stay true to yourself.