• Community Service
  The nominee has demonstrated exceptional service to the community through volunteer work, philanthropy, or leadership.
• Impact
  The nominee's contributions have made a significant and positive impact on the local community.
• Leadership
  The nominee has shown outstanding leadership abilities—inspiring others and fostering growth or change.
• Business or Professional Contributions
  The nominee has demonstrated excellence in their profession and leveraged their knowledge, skills, and expertise to make meaningful contributions to the success, growth, and betterment of the community.
• Civic Service/Responsibility
  The nominee demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the community's quality of life through active involvement in community boards, committees, civic organizations, or public initiatives that foster engagement, strengthen community connections, and enhance civic life.
• Integrity and Character
  The nominee upholds strong moral principles—modeling high standards that uplift both their industry and the community.

At least one (1) letter of support is required for a nominee be considered.  Up to three (3) letters of support may be submitted.

Letters of support must be submitted by Friday, November 13, 2026 to Aileen Peacock.

1967 - Dr. Leo Jenkins

1968 - Joe Pou

1969 - R.W. Howard

1970 - S. Eugene West

1971 - Horton Rountree

1972 - W.W. Speight

1973 - Bruce Sugg

1974 - Janice Buck

1975 - Les Garner

1977 - M. "Booger" Scales

1978 - John Minges, II

1979 - Charles P. Gaskins

1980 - Jerry W. Powell

1981 - David J. Whichard

1982 - J. Reid Hooper

1983 - Ray D. Minges, M.D.

1984 - Seth Reynolds May

1985 - G. Henry Leslie

1986 - Thomas L. Edwards

1987 - Ed N. Warren

1988 - Roberts S. Griffin

1989 - Joseph M. Gantz

1990 - William H. Clark

1991 - Dr. William E. Laupus

1992 - Denison D. Garrett

1993 - Phillip R. Dixon, Sr.

1994 - Jack Edwards

1995 - Robert Kelly Barnhill

1996 - John Minges, III

1997 - Larry Seigler

1998 - Kenneth K. Dews

1999 - Charles O. Horne

2000 - Rev. Sidney Locks, Jr.

2001 - Nancy Jenkins

2002 - Janice H. Faulkner

2003 - Dave C. McRae

2004 - Alice Keene

2005 - Linda Lynn Tripp

2006 - Renee Arrington

2007 - Don Parrott

2008 - David Vaughan

2009 - Don Mills

2010 - Daneel le Roux

2011 - Pat Dunn

2012 - John Bray

2013 - Phil Hodges

2014 - H.L. "Steve" Stephenson

2015 - Dr. Mary Raab-McConnell

2016 - Max Joyner, Sr.

2017 - Dr. G. Dennis Massey

2018 - Joyce C. Jones

2019 - J. Bryant Kittrell, III

2020 - Dr. Ron Mitchelson

2021 - Rev. Dr. Rodney Coles, Sr.

2022 - Tom Kulikowski

2023 - Dr. Ethan Lenker

2024 - Mark Phillips

2025 - Brian Floyd