special to The Star



Former Meridian resident Champee Gipson Kemp, who currently resides in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has been inducted into the 2008 Women’s Hall of Fame in Okaloosa County Florida. Kemp is the daughter of Mrs. Ray Joiner.

Kemp was selected from a field of eight nominees whose nominations were based on their having had a profound impact on the community.

Kemp taught mathematics in Okaloosa Schools for 30 years before her retirement and continues to be a highly visible and strong advocate for public education and women in her many volunteer activities. For six years, she served as Okaloosa County Education Association president and then as OCEA Political Action Chairperson for more than 15 years. Her political activity included serving on the Florida Education Association-National Educational Association Legislative Committee for over 30 years and as its Chairperson.

Other organizations for which Kemp volunteers include the Emerald Coast Junior League, Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators, and the Fort Walton Beach Jaycee Auxiliary.

Inductees for the annual Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame are chosen from nominations submitted to that organization. Achievements may be in one or more of the fields of art, agriculture, athletics, business, community service, education, environment, government, health, humanities, law, philanthropy and/or science.

Hall of Fame members have their portraits displayed in the Niceville City Council chambers, the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Building and the Crestview courthouse.