Golfer, Christian, Country Music and Andy Griffith Fan, and Rotarian; ladies and gentlemen, we give you Derrek Jerred, this week's Rotary Person of Action.
Derrek Jerred, Rotarian since 2017
Cheyenne LEADS
Other than Rotary, which community organizations are you involved in? How does that involvement reflect what you most value about Rotary?
Involved as an Element Church Volunteer, K9s 4 Mobility Board Member, United Way of Laramie County Emerging Leader, USA Hockey Referee, CLIMB Wyoming Mock Interviewer, Meals on Wheels Deliverer, COMEA Shelter Server, City of Cheyenne Youth Football Coach, Wyoming Young Contractors Association Member, Wyoming FBLA Judge, and Wyoming State Speech & Debate Judge. There are needs across the community and the easiest way to meet a lot of those needs is to get involved. Being an involved member of society and putting service above self is synonymous in my opinion.
Why did you join Rotary? I joined Rotary because my Grandmother (Gillette Evening Rotarian for 10+ years) kept asking me why I hadn’t joined yet, and I typically don’t go against what any of the women in my family say.
What have you found to be most beneficial being a member of Rotary? The network of professionals in the community that I have met – from all types of backgrounds and experiences – that have the same mentality of service above self and can provide great wisdom and leadership to me. Plus, Rotary is worldwide and has a mission to reach a network that extends far beyond Cheyenne.
What has been your favorite speaker or event with Rotary? St. Patrick’s Day 2018
What is your favorite winter or summer activity and why? My favorite summer activity is golf. I wouldn’t say that I am overly great, but I try hard and like to be out on the links as much as I can. Plus, there are a lot of fellow Rotarians that golf, so it’s a win-win for networking purposes. As for winter, you can find me on a sheet of ice, refereeing hockey games… Doing my best to make some fellow Rotarians happy and the majority not-so-happy.
How long have you lived in Wyoming and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Wyoming for 27 years and Wyoming is a special place because it’s home to the greatest, most genuine, bunch of people in the world!
What is your favorite book (business and/or pleasure)? What did you love about it? David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell is my favorite book and it’s because it challenged the way that I look at everything. Really taught me to understand that there are two sides to every story, and to explore issues before passing judgement.
What is your favorite sports team (college or pro)? The Denver Broncos. For two reasons: 1) My parents raised me right 2) John Elway is my favorite athlete of all time.
Favorite theater production or movie? What did you love about it? Tommy Boy is my favorite movie of all time. Why? Because it makes me laugh every single time I watch it as if it was the first time seeing it; even if I am quoting it the entire time.
Beloved holiday tradition? Coloring Easter Eggs. It’s a must!
Tell us about your family? My family is small but mighty! I am an only child, and both of my parents are now only children. Both sets of my grandparents are still alive and well, and I would argue that we are the fiercest 7-person family in Wyoming!
What is one thing about yourself that no one knows? I truly wish there was more time in the day for ceramics. Throwing pottery on the potter’s wheel is one of my favorite things to do.
Favorite vacation destination and why? My favorite vacation destination is always wherever I am returning from vacation.
Do you currently watch any TV Series? If so, please elaborate. There hasn’t been a good TV Series since The Andy Griffith Show!
If you can meet face to face with one person (dead or alive), who would that be and why? This one is easy. It would be Jesus Christ, as he is the most influential human being of all time, and as a Christian I believe it would be intensely humbling, motivating, and life-changing.
