Bradford County Commissioner Carolyn Spooner is the recipient of the 2023 Pinnacle Award, which recognizes those who have achieved professional accomplishments throughout an extensive career and are role models for others to attain similar success.
The award was presented at this year’s Jacksonville Image Awards, which were created to honor and celebrate achievements of individuals and organizations in the African American community
Spooner was one of three people considered for the award.
According to the biography published by News4Jax, Spooner — the daughter of the late Willie and Louiza Brown of Starke — is the first Black female county commissioner for Bradford in more than 150 years. She is also a former mayor and city commissioner for the city of Starke.
“She understood the importance of education from the age of 4 when her local kindergarten was discontinued. She asked, ‘Why cut kindergarten when it was her turn to start school?’ She then asked her mother to teach her to read and write. At 14, she was appointed to teach adult Sunday school. At 16, she got neighbors to sign a petition to help get street signs and Lincoln City’s first paved road. At 17, she organized a peaceful protest to get equal rights for Black students attending Bradford High School.
“She completed Bethune-Cookman College’s four-year psychology program in three years, then completed a two-year specialist program at the University of Florida, receiving her master’s and specialist degrees in counseling.
“She returned to Starke to work in her community, providing over 40 years of service in the fields of mental health and substance abuse. She organized a crime prevention program and was recognized by the Department of Corrections for her leadership and fight against crime. She received two gubernatorial appointments. The first, was the MLK Jr. Celebration Commission and she organized the first MLK Jr. Celebration for Bradford which continues today. The second was the Bradford Historical Board of Trustees which executed a lease to Santa Fe College for 99 years for $1, paving the way for the local college branch for Starke.
“She has provided 22 local students with college scholarships. She is a children’s book author, poet and songwriter. She helped pave the way for African Americans to obtain equal justice for all to serve in local government for the city of Starke, Bradford School Board and Bradford County Board of County Commissioners.”
Bradford Commission Chairwoman Diane Andrews congratulated Spooner at Tuesday’s commission meeting.
“You’re always helping people, and it is a pleasure serving with you and calling you my friend. So, congratulations, well deserved.”
“To God be the glory,” Spooner said. “I am deeply honored. I love my community very much, and I love God more, and I thank him for the privilege of serving.”
