Each year, the North Carolina Awards are a chance for us to honor the men and women who, in the words of early explorer Ralph Lane, make North Carolina “the Goodliest Land.”
Last Thursday night, it was my honor to stand next to Gov. Perdue on stage at the North Carolina Museum of History as she presented the Award, which is our state’s highest civilian honor, to six outstanding North Carolinians.
Since 1964, more than 250 people have received the gold-colored medallion that marks exceptional service to the state. This year’s recipients were Gerald Barrax for Literature; Joseph M. DeSimone for Science; Bo Thorp and Mark Peiser, both for Fine Arts; and Hugh L. McColl, Jr., and Betty Ray McCain, both for Public Service.
A packed auditorium watched videos detailing the many accomplishments of this year’s recipients, and we heard from each of them too. Another stirring moment came when 25 past recipients in attendance that evening stood and were recognized.
All of our North Carolina Award-winners have influenced our state, our nation, and our world. I can truly say that they are North Carolina’s greatest cultural resource.
Shown from left are: Cultural Resources Secretary Linda A. Carlisle, recipients Joseph DeSimone (Science), Hugh McColl Jr. (Public Service) and Bo Thorp (Fine Arts), Gov. Bev Perdue, recipients Gerald Barrax (Literature) and Mark Peiser (Fine Arts), 2009 awards committee chairman Jack Cozort and recipient Betty Ray McCain (Public Service). (Photo courtesy of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources)