A 19-year-old makes history by becoming Surry County’s youngest elected official
At nineteen, Cameran Drew isn’t just another college graduate—he’s the youngest person ever elected to Surry County’s Board of Supervisors, proving that ambition knows no age limit. His razor-thin victory in November—a margin of just eight votes—over his own high school government teacher was a testament to his relentless drive. Even more remarkable? He accomplished this while running a business and completing his associate degree in business administration at Virginia Peninsula Community College.
A Campaign Built on Youth and Change
Drew’s rise wasn’t luck—it was strategy. His campaign zeroed in on three core pillars:
- Transparency in government
- Tax relief for young workers
- Bringing stable, high-paying jobs to Surry County
The message resonated with voters weary of watching their youth leave town. With the average resident aged fifty, Surry County’s leadership gap was glaring—and Drew’s election signaled a shift. “If young people don’t see their interests represented, they won’t stick around,” he said.
From Mentorship to Movement: The Changemaker Foundation
Behind Drew’s political success lies a deep commitment to his community. In 2024, he launched Changemakerz LLC, selling motivational apparel and candles to fund the Changemakerz Foundation, which empowers teens through scholarships and skill-building programs.
The inspiration? Drew’s own journey. “Without mentors who guided me, I wouldn’t be here,” he admits. His foundation isn’t just charity—it’s an investment in the next generation of leaders.
A Detour That Led to Destiny
Drew’s path wasn’t linear. He once planned to attend Virginia Commonwealth University—until a soccer scholarship at VPCC changed his course. The switch proved pivotal. Smaller class sizes and a tight-knit environment allowed him to balance school, sports, business, and public service without burnout.
But his resilience was truly tested in fall 2024 when a diabetes diagnosis forced him to step back. His information technology professor, Doretha Jones, stepped in—not just to catch him up on work, but to reinforce his tenacity.
“My job is to keep students moving forward,” Jones said. “Seeing someone like Drew accomplish so much at his age is proof that hard work pays off.”
The Professors Who Saw His Potential
Anthony Fotinos, Drew’s public speaking professor, recognized his leadership long before the election. When he later saw a news profile of Drew in office, Fotinos wasn’t surprised.
“He’s the kind of person who makes leadership look natural,” Fotinos said. “That kind of authenticity doesn’t come from a script. It comes from within.”
It’s a trait that could shape not just his first term, but a potential future in higher office.
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A Graduation Speech That Became a Call to Action
At his graduation, Drew didn’t just give a speech—he issued a challenge to his peers:
“How will I use my education as a catalyst for change?”
His message was clear: Age should never be a barrier to ambition. He urged younger generations to step up, take risks, and demand a seat at the table—even when older leaders dominate the room.
His own story is proof that small steps can lead to big shifts.
