MOUNT OLIVE — The Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce announced that this year’s Christmas Parade will be unique because they will have two Grand Marshals instead of one.
Each year, the Mount Olive Chamber accepts nominations from the community for the Grand Marshal. The chamber seeks grand marshal nominations for someone who volunteers and gives back to the community, deserves credit for good deeds completed, and is an inspiration toward making the community a better place to live, work, and play.
“When the Christmas committee reviewed the nominations, they knew they had to select two grand marshals, instead of one,” said Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce President Julie Beck. “A husband and wife were both nominated and there is no way to only select one. Both have done so much for our community and we wanted to honor both.”
The Grand Marshals for the Mount Olive Christmas Parade will be Edward & Hilda Cromartie. The Mount Olive Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2 in downtown Mount Olive.
Edward E. Cromartie, Sr. was born in Fayetteville in 1946. He entered the Cumberland County School System graduating from Anne Chestnutt High School in 1964. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Fayetteville State University in 1977. He continued his higher education endeavors by going on to receive a Master’s in School Administration from Fayetteville State University and an Educational Specialist Certification from East Carolina University.
Hilda graduated from Charity High School in 1966 and entered Fayetteville State University. She graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1970. She continued her higher education endeavors by going on the receive a Master’s in School Administration from Fayetteville State University and her Educational Specialist Certification from East Carolina University.
Ed began his career in education in 1977, working as a teacher at Westover High School in Fayetteville. He would later advance his career working for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as an Educational Consultant in 1984. He continued in this position until 1986 when he was offered a position with the Goldsboro City Schools as Vocational Director.
Ed served as Vocational Director for Wayne County Public Schools when the two systems combined. He later became Assistant Principal of Southern Wayne High School and Principal of the former Southern Academy Alternative School.
In 2004, he was appointed as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, Ed served in various capacities for the WCPS, from Assistant Principal to County Athletic Director. Ed also served as Wayne County Commissioner for District 2. They are both members of Vision of Faith F.W.B. Church, where they serve as Chairmen of the Deacon and Mother Boards. He continues to serve on various boards throughout the county to serve all citizens of Wayne County.
Hilda began her career in education in 1970, working as a teacher at Beulaville Elementary in Beulaville. She would later teach Career Explorations at Armstrong Jr. High School in Fayetteville.
After completing her graduate work, Hilda was ready for professional growth. She moved to Wayne County in 1984 and became Assistant Principal at the former Mount Olive Junior High School. She would go on to become Principal of Carver Elementary and Brogden Middle Schools.
In 1999, Hilda retired after an extremely rewarding career. However, after retirement, she continued to work in the school system as retirement did not end her desire to help children grow and learn their value in life. She believes the best gift a child can receive is a quality education.
They have been married for over 50 years. They have 2 children, NaTale and Edward Jr. They, along with their spouses Ryan Nelson and Trelvia Cromartie, are educators for the Wayne County Public School System. Ed and Hilda have 5 grandchildren, Giovonnii, Ryan Jr., NaRyah, Ava and Aimee.
The Mount Olive Christmas Parade line up will take place at Carver Elementary School and the parade route will be Old Seven Springs Road, Church Street, College Street and both sides of Center Street. The parade will end at 114 E. James Street.
No parking will be allowed along Center Street and handicapped parking will be available on the 100 S. Center block (Wells Fargo side) from James Street to College Street).
For more information on the Mount Olive Christmas Parade, call Beck at (919) 658-3113.
