December Hometown Hero: Tamra Tootle

By: Samie Worthington

Preparing great women for the world. Preparing the world for great women.

A true force, Tamra Tootle is an inspiration to young women within our community. Having been involved with Miss Newberry and Teen Scholarship Organization for several years now, Tamra currently serves as the Chair of the Board. She is an advocate for women’s empowerment and works to encourage young women through developing their talents and skills in a safe, positive environment. Her charisma and enthusiasm for what she does truly shine through, and our community is extremely proud to have her involved with such a foundational organization.

“Tamera and I first met in 2018. My daughter Jordyn was the princess for Miss Newberry 2018, Gaalon Lukie. Seeing her passion for this organization inspired me to join the Miss Newberry & Miss Teen Newberry Scholarship Competition Board. I want to be able to share a fresh perspective with the team to help young ladies succeed, just as Tamera does. Tamera is very well organized and in tune with all the changes that occur with the MAO.”

- Kendal Bishop

“Without Tamra Tootle and her leadership, the Miss Newberry Competition wouldn’t be the recognized success that it is. From keeping the Committee on their toes, fundraising, organizing the entire process and attending every Miss South Carolina event, she is the backbone that inspires us all.”

- Sandra Berry Rouse

“Tamra is amazing. No one...including the rest of the Miss Newberry Board...has a full understanding of just how much she does to make the Miss Newberry program a success. Her time and dedication to the program and the young women it serves is amazing. Quite simply, there is no Miss Newberry Scholarship organization without Tamra Tootle.”

- Wanda Crotwell

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs Tamra Tootle on the Miss Newberry Board for the past four years. She is such an asset to our community! Embracing Newberry as her own, Tamra has opened her home for the Christmas Tour of Homes and welcomed lots of trick or treaters for Halloween! Her generosity goes unnoticed, and she has such a positive impact on others around her.”

- Christy Gradner

“When there was the idea of bringing back Miss Newberry, Tamra was asked to look into the possibility. Tamra not only did that, she found supporters, formed an excellent committee and created an outstanding organization that we are so proud of. The MNSO works year-round, supports the young ladies thoroughly and does everything in a first class manner. Tamra took an idea and made it into something outstanding.”

- Mayor Foster Senn

This is your chance to nominate a service member or front-line worker going above and beyond the call of duty — someone who shows concern for their fellow service members, their community, and the country they serve. Email nominations to hello@newberrynow.com