Governor Recognizes Outstanding North Carolinians with Prestigious Award
In a ceremony held today, Governor Josh Stein honored 12 remarkable individuals from North Carolina by inducting them into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This accolade is awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional service to the state.
“These North Carolinians have selflessly spent their careers serving others and strengthening our communities,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to honor them today for their dedication, service, and talent.”
The Latest Order of the Long Leaf Pine Honorees
- Karen Brinson Bell from Transylvania County, known for her previous role as Executive Director of the State Board of Elections.
- Kimberly Welborn of McDowell County, who serves as Director of the McDowell County Board of Elections.
- David (Woody) Clinard from Forsyth County, the founder of the D. Elwood Clinard Charitable Trust.
- Julia Clinard Townsend, also from Forsyth County, is recognized for founding the REACH Women’s Network.
- Edward Finley of Wake County, former Chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
- Juvencio Rocha Peralta from Pitt County, the founder of the Association of Mexicans in North Carolina (AMEXCAN).
- Jenni Johnson in Wake County, serving as Magnet Coordinator at Hunter Elementary School, Raleigh.
- Polly Jones from Ashe County, a retired English teacher from Ashe County High School.
- Jim Clark based in Wake County, an English Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University.
- DeVetta Holman-Copeland of Wake County, who coordinates Student Resiliency and Academic Support at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Beverly McIver from Orange County, an artist and Esbenshade Professor of the Practice in Studio Arts at Duke University.
- Officer Percy Evans working in Wake County with the Holly Springs Police Department.
Adding a touch of greenery to the celebration, Trees for the Triangle, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the ecological and social fabric of the Triangle, is gifting each awardee a longleaf pine tree seedling.
Read More Here
