Governor Roy Cooper encouraged North Carolinians to nominate esteemed individuals for the 2020 North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state. Applications are due by April 15. Created by the General Assembly in 1961, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts and public service.
“Each year, the North Carolina awards honor amazing people from all corners of our state. I encourage everyone to pause and think about extraordinary people in their community and submit their name for consideration,” said Governor Cooper.
Past award recipients include Maya Angelou, Doc Watson, William Friday, Gertrude Elion, Branford Marsalis and other noteworthy North Carolinians.
Award nominations may be submitted by anyone and must include a completed nomination form, cover letter, three letters of support and the nominee’s biography or resume. Additional letters of support and examples of the nominee’s work will also be accepted. Applications may be submitted online [click.icptrack.com] or materials can be sent to the North Carolina Awards Committee, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, 4601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4600.
The North Carolina Awards Committee, as administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will review the nominations and make its selections this summer. The recipients will be honored during ceremonies in Raleigh later this year. Past award recipients have included some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists and public servants.
Information on the award and the online nomination process are available here. To receive forms by mail or e-mail contact Jennifer Fontes at Jennifer.fontes@ncdcr.gov or (919) 814-6756.
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