Earlier this week, 23 people and three organizations representing 24 counties received the State of North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service: the Governor’s Medallion Award. The award is presented annually by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, or VolunteerNC.
“I am proud to recognize these outstanding volunteers whose service has strengthened communities across North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “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.”
Medallion recipients received their awards at a ceremony at the North Carolina State Capitol on May 11. VolunteerNC Chair Dr. Joe Blosser served as the ceremony’s emcee while VolunteerNC Executive Director Briles Johnson and External Affairs Officer Christy Venable presented the awards. Medallion recipients’ families and guests attended the event along with VolunteerNC Commissioners and staff, members of the NC General Assembly, County Award Coordinators, and Governor’s Office staff.
“It is an honor to recognize the extraordinary volunteers from across North Carolina who serve selflessly and are incredibly dedicated to their communities,” said Briles Johnson. "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."
The recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service are:
- 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 2027 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form will be available this fall. Nominations are submitted by the County Award Coordinator in each county. Visit volunteernc.org for more information.
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About VolunteerNC
VolunteerNC, the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, promotes and facilitates service and volunteering to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement in North Carolina. A division within the Office of the Governor, VolunteerNC oversees the state AmeriCorps programs, Disaster Services, Governor’s Page Program, and Volunteer Service. Learn more at volunteernc.org.