Leroy Elder:  

Leroy "Topper" Elder Work and School Let me start by saying that HCHS had many very good teachers back in the day. I thank God for the foundation they gave. When the schools first intergrated (Sept 1970) the transition was very tough. The first year Black Students walked out because of the injustice (not enough time to tell you how bad it was, but a Rebel flag hung over the doors of the main entrance). The story should be made into a movie or book. This is a forgotten part of our history. A number of Black teachers help us organize at secret night- time meetings. Education after High School B.A. Political Science from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 1976 Master in Management & Public Admin. from Webster University, Saint Louis, MO 1980 Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO 2004 To God be the glory! We can do all things through Christ. My time at JSU were some of the best years of my life. There were lots of students from Belzoni at JSU when I was there. Walter Payton, "Sweetness" was at JSU turning the SWAC inside out. I moved to Saint Louis after graduation and a year later entered the military. I spent five years on active duty and twenty years in the Army Reserve. I worked in personnel. I was called back to active for about eighteen months during the first Gulf War. I did not have to go to the Middle East, thank God! I retired from the reserve in 2004. I met so many great people while in the military. A number of them are friends for life. I worked as Senoir Buyer for the City of Wichita, KS and as a Buyer in the commerical aircraft industry for a number of years (The Boeing Company). I purchased parts for the 737, 747 and the 757 aircraft. I really enjoyed the work. I got to travel a lot and see some special places. Currently, I am a Senior Pastor. I have been in ministry full-time since Jan 2000. I recently started a new church in Houston, Tx called Daybreak Church...Expand for more