North Carolina Celebrates Outstanding Volunteer Contributions
In a moving ceremony held earlier this week, the State of North Carolina honored 23 individuals and three organizations with the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service. This accolade, awarded by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, recognizes exceptional volunteer work across 24 counties.
Governor Josh Stein expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “I am proud to recognize these outstanding volunteers whose service has strengthened communities across North Carolina. Their generosity and their commitment to helping others reflect the very best of our state, and I hope their example inspires more people to get involved and make a difference.”
The award ceremony took place on May 11 at the North Carolina State Capitol, featuring VolunteerNC Chair Dr. Joe Blosser as the emcee. VolunteerNC Executive Director Briles Johnson, alongside External Affairs Officer Christy Venable, presented the awards. The event was attended by the recipients’ families, VolunteerNC Commissioners and staff, and members of the NC General Assembly.
Briles Johnson highlighted the diverse impact of the volunteers, noting, “Medallion Award recipients make our state a better place in many ways, including with Hurricane Helene relief, food insecurity, literacy, health care, tutoring, mentoring, youth development, and senior and disability services.”
Honored Volunteers and Organizations
The 2026 Governor’s Medallion Award recipients include:
- David and Sheila Ahrens of Ashe County, Ashe Outreach Ministries
- Jennie Knowlton of Chatham County, The Quiltmaker Café
- Harvey Knowles of Duplin County, Wallace Police Department, Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace Volunteer Fire Department, and Woodmen of the World
- Sharon Pitz of Durham County, Duke Cancer Patient Support Program – Pets at Duke Program
- Sid Subramanian of Forsyth County, The Shalom Project Medical Clinic – Community Care Center
- Beverly Kegley of Franklin County, Franklin County food banks, Franklin County Interfaith Council, Franklin County Partners in Health, and White Flag Shelter Program
- Butner Community Association of Granville County, Town of Butner
- Samantha Gay of Greene County, Fishers of Kids Anglers Academy
- James P. Ellen II of Halifax County, Halifax County Government – NC Cooperative Extension
- Milton Stewart of Henderson County, First Congregational Church
- Michael Adams of Hyde County, Davis Youth/Recreation and Community Center, Hyde County Meals on Wheels, and Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church
- Pamela Navey of Iredell County, Fifth Street Ministries, Foundation of Hope Ministries, and Salvation Army of Iredell County
- Joy Praet Clark of Jackson County, Blue Ridge Early College, Blue Ridge School, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, and Summit Charter School
- Jagwinder Sandhu of Johnston County, Atlantic Coast Sikh Association Gurdawara Sahib
- Hannah Crouch of McDowell County, Mission Ministries Alliance
- Dr. Steven Rogelberg of Mecklenburg County, CARE Conference Initiative, CARE Institute of Leadership, Charlotte Lab School, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Goodwill Industries, Huntington Farms Elementary School, Oasis Senior Program, and Roof Above
- Anthony Hopkins of Nash County, Coalition for Addiction, Recovery, and Education
- Anne Stokley of New Hanover County, Cape Fear Literacy Council
- Isaiah Ike Johnson of Onslow County, JT Kerr Memorial Baptist Church, MENAC, Onslow Learning Center, Onslow County Schools, and United Way of Onslow County
- Laura Malinchock of Orange County, PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro
- Council on Aging Home-Delivered Meals Volunteers of Pitt County, Pitt County Council on Aging
- Ken and Matthew MacPhee of Rutherford County, Just for Him Ministries
- Angie Yilling of Wake County, Able to Serve
- Phi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., of Wayne County, North Drive Elementary School
The nomination process for the 2027 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award will commence in the fall. Nominations are coordinated at the county level. For more information, visit volunteernc.org.
About VolunteerNC
VolunteerNC, a division within the Office of the Governor, is committed to promoting and facilitating volunteering and community service across North Carolina. The organization oversees state AmeriCorps programs, Disaster Services, the Governor’s Page Program, and Volunteer Service. Learn more at volunteernc.org.
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