Raleigh, N.C. — In a celebration of service and selflessness, 20 individuals and two organizations from across 21 North Carolina counties were honored with the 2025 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service— the state’s highest recognition for community volunteerism.
Presented annually by the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service (VolunteerNC), the prestigious award recognizes those who have made a lasting impact through exceptional dedication to helping others.
“I am proud to honor these public-spirited volunteers who have each made a profound impact on their communities,” said Governor Josh Stein during the ceremony held at the North Carolina State Capitol. “I am grateful for their dedication and hard work – may their leadership inspire more North Carolinians to follow their example.”
Recipients were joined by Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, VolunteerNC Chair Dr. Joe Blosser, Executive Director Briles Johnson, and Volunteerism Coordinator Kenneth McLellan for the special event.
Briles Johnson praised the honorees for their diverse and far-reaching contributions. “We were excited to honor these extraordinary volunteers from across North Carolina who work selflessly and tirelessly to make our state a better place,” she said. “Medallion award recipients serve their communities in so many ways: combating food insecurity, assisting the elderly, mentoring youth, disaster relief, and more.”
2025 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service Recipients:
- Ashe County: Gerry Tygielski – Habitat for Humanity
- Catawba County: Darlene Sanders – Exodus Home
- Chatham County: Sera Cuni – Feed-Well Fridges
- Duplin County: Gregory Carr – Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department
- Durham County: Brad Freeman – PetPals NC
- Forsyth County: Thao Sommerville – Vietnamese cultural preservation
- Franklin County: Patricia Adams – Sowing Seeds
- Gates County: Erna Bright – Gates County Broadband Task Force
- Granville County: JaQuavion Stainback – Shepard Youth Ranch
- Halifax County: Gary Grant – Agricultural sustainability and rural empowerment
- Henderson County: Howard Bakken – Chikaming Goat Herd at the Carl Sandburg Home NHS
- Hyde County: Adrianna Noel Goodwin – Ocracoke School
- Iredell County: Mike Davidson – American Legion, Boy Scouts, Beulah Baptist Church, and Iredell Christian Ministry
- Jones County: American Red Cross NC Screening Team – Disaster response
- Lee County: Janice Scions – Enrichment Center of Lee County
- McDowell County: Joy Harklerode – Mercy Fund Animal Rescue
- Mecklenburg County: Dr. Elesia Glover – Posh Pack Inc.
- Orange County: Julie McClintock – Bolin Creek conservation
- Pitt County: DH Conley High School ROTC – Senior Games
- Randolph County: Maxton McDowell – Local community and social service efforts
- Wayne County: Becky and Chip Craig – Kiwanis Miniature Train Project
The Governor’s Medallion Award spotlights those who go above and beyond in their volunteer efforts, often without seeking recognition. Each honoree was nominated by their local community and selected through a competitive process.
Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards will open this fall. To learn more or submit a nomination, visit
