LaChaundra “DeeDee” Hawkins graduated from Cassopolis High School in 2007. She exceled in academics and sports, and was a part of the regional girls basketball championship team in 2006.

She graduated from Grand Valley State University in April. She majored in public and non-profit administration with an emphasis in community health. Hawkins is also a member of the Army National Guard. She was involved in several organizations throughout college. She was nominated into the Cook Leadership Academy.
Hawkins is currently applying to graduate schools to continue her education and receive her master of business administration degree in health care.
Once she obtains work in the health care field, she would like to go back to school again and get her doctorate degree in public health so she can become a professor.