By: Vareva Harris, Co-Editor | Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF — Among the residents attending Tuesday night’s Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates Townhall in Woodruff was a special guest with a mission: Taylor Gilliam, crowned Miss South Carolina Black United States 2026, brought grace, insight, and civic spirit to the event.
A graduate of Boiling Springs High School and the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, where she earned a degree in finance, Gilliam attended the event to promote civic engagement—especially among youth.
When asked why she felt it was important to attend, Gilliam said, “So I can inform young people about the sheriff’s candidates in Spartanburg County and encourage them to vote and be involved in local politics.”
Gilliam’s presence at the townhall, hosted by The Woodruff Times and Spartans First, highlighted the growing movement among young leaders to raise awareness about the impact of local elections.
As the county prepares for the August 5 Republican primary, Gilliam’s example serves as a
reminder that active citizenship starts at home—and that the voices of young people matter in shaping the future of their communities.
Author: Vareva Harris
