The Governor’s Medallion Award was presented last week to 17 individuals and three organizations, including three from the coast.
North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service is presented annually by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service. The ceremony this year was May 6 at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
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“North Carolinians are known for their generosity and these award-winning volunteers are some of the most generous people you can imagine. They give their time, talents, and energy to strengthen their communities through volunteering,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. “I’m so grateful for their compassion and dedication, and I encourage all North Carolinians to find ways to volunteer.”
Two volunteers and one organization from the coast were awarded the 2024 Governor’s Medallion for Volunteer Service. They include:
- Deborah Swick of Dare County, who volunteers with numerous organizations including helping pick up roadside trash and protect sea turtle nests.
- Daniel Kopchick of New Hanover County, who volunteers at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare where he provides support to hospice and dementia patients and their families.
- Safe Haven of Pender Inc. of Pender County, whose volunteers and its thrift store support and provide resources to domestic violence victims in Pender County and surrounding area.
Recipients are nominated by members of their community and then selected by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, known as VolunteerNC, and housed within the governor’s office.
“We were excited to honor these extraordinary volunteers from across North Carolina who work selflessly and tirelessly to make our state a better place,” said VolunteerNC Executive Director Briles Johnson. “Medallion award recipients serve their communities in so many ways, combating food insecurity, assisting the elderly, tutoring and mentoring youth, providing mental health services and more.”
Recipients across the state include the following:
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- Guy Graybeal Jr. of Ashe County who volunteers with Ashe Outreach Ministries.
- Sonya Reid of Burke County who volunteers at the American Red Cross.
- Librado Mendoza Sosa of Chatham County who volunteers with Student Action with Farmworkers and mentors college students by facilitating a 10-week summer internship program.
- Mercil Hurt of Cherokee County who has lived a life of service by volunteering for over 50 years by serving seniors and youth in her community.
- Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry of Gaston County. Volunteers with this organization offer nutritious food and support services to individuals in the Greater Gaston County area.
- Laura and Sandy Gabel of Granville County who volunteer with Area Congregations in Ministry, a nonprofit food pantry.
- Susan Tolle of Iredell County who started the first Out of Darkness Suicide Walk in the county.
- Dr. William and Cindy Hall of Lee County who provide free medical services through their twice-weekly mobile health clinic.
- Vivian Poole of McDowell County who volunteers at the the county senior center.
- Bud Frank of Mecklenburg County who volunteers 1,000 hours a year with the American Red Cross.
- Pamela Tudryn of Orange County who volunteers at the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals.
- David Post who volunteers with many organizations in Rowan County.
- Carmon West of Transylvania County who volunteers with the Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue Inc.
- Dr. Drew Polly of Union County who volunteers at the county’s schools.
- NAMI NC Helpline Responder Team of Wake County.
- Donna Phillips of Wayne County who volunteers across multiple organizations.
- Claudia Juarez Reyes of Wilson County who volunteers at Seeds of Hope and Amexcan.
The 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form will be available this fall. Nominations are submitted to the county award coordinator in the county of volunteer service. Visit volunteernc.org for more information.
