GOLDSBORO, N.C. — United Way of Wayne County has announced that all local nominees for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award have been officially accepted by North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, highlighting a remarkable group of individuals and organizations dedicated to serving Wayne County.
This year’s honorees include Grace Dybdahl, Fritz Knack, the Phi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Buddy Scott and Phil Waters, and Barbara Wagner.
Among the nominees, the Phi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has been selected as Wayne County’s recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Award — the highest level of volunteer service recognition in North Carolina. The group will be honored at the State Capitol in Raleigh this May alongside other top recipients from across the state. The Medallion Award recognizes individuals or organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication and create a lasting impact through volunteer service.
All five nominees will receive the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and will be formally recognized for their contributions to improving the quality of life in Wayne County.
To celebrate these achievements, a “Night Full of Heroes” Volunteer Ceremony will be held Monday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, and local organizations are encouraged to attend and honor volunteers as part of this community-wide celebration.
“This event is an opportunity for our entire community to come together and celebrate the individuals who give their time, talents, and heart to strengthen Wayne County,” said Executive Director Sherry Archibald.
For more information about the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award or the upcoming ceremony, community members are encouraged to contact United Way of Wayne County.
