During the time set for candidate filing for local political offices, many people were watching closely as they were eager to know who would choose to run for public office. There were four seats open on the Burke County School Board. Three of the School Board seats had candidates who filed early but all eyes were on the Central Seat.
Current Central Seat Board Member, Dr. Don Hemstreet, was gathering signatures to run as “unaffiliated” and it was uncertain whether he would gather enough signatures that were required to be on the ballot. Then, a new person, Republican Sonya Rockett, filed to run for the BCPS Central Seat.
Rockett, a mother and grandmother, said that she believes that she can bring new energy and a conservative view to the spot which has been currently lacking.
Rockett has deep ties to Burke County. Both she and her late husband, John, graduated from East Burke High School. Their daughters graduated from East Burke as well. Right now, Rockett's granddaughter goes to Burke County Public Schools, and another grandchild will join soon.
Since the early '90s, Rockett has had a successful career in the textile industry. She started in the Design department, but now works in Marketing. Her current job as the Director of Strategic Marketing gives her many challenges every day. These situations help her to expand her horizons and find the best results for her company. She is excited to bring this hard work and goal to her role on the Burke County School Board.
Traveling is a big hobby for Rockett. She stated, “John and I loved to travel. While world travelling is very appealing, we live in the greatest country in the world. Its vastness drew us to start exploring. We've visited dozens of national parks, national monuments, and national forests across the country, along with hundreds of small towns and big cities. We've ventured into Canada on several occasions, too. Of all the places we've visited, my favorite is the Black Hills area of South Dakota. With John's health issues and passing there hasn't been much travel in the last few years. Still, I would like to go anywhere I've never been. As I learn to navigate life without John, I hope one day to see more of our amazing country.”
Rockett is very involved in her local church, Pleasant View Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday school and is part of the praise team.
Sonya believes that Board of Education members must have the energy and dedication to serve as the community's voice and represent the community in all decisions. She stated that, “Board members must also maintain a professional and respectful attitude, especially when representing the board or attending school district functions. A desire to make our school system as great as it can be is also a must.”
Her main goal for high school seniors is to make sure they are ready to start the next chapter of life as productive adults. As a board member, she would like to improve discipline issues, parent/teacher relationships, and see continued improvement on vetting reading materials provided by the schools before it lands on the media center shelves.
Sonya will be on the ballot this November as she will be the Republican candidate running against the unaffiliated Dr. Hemstreet.
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