People

Coming up next: Top Event, Business Person, Sports Coach, & more.

Ambassador Award for 2007-2008:   Ellen McNeill

Although many individuals have been supportive to us during our first year as a "business newcomer" in Hoke County, one person stands out like no other. From the very start, Ellen McNeill has been consistently welcoming, helpful, and kind. We were taken aback by the vicious political attacks on her last summer, but her remarkable ability to "understand and forgive" was an inspiration to us and many others in the community. Ellen McNeill is our Ambassador of the Year for 2007-2008!

Rising Star Award for 2007-2008:   Melissa Tuel

The new Executive Director of the North Carolina Turkey Festival, Melissa Tuel, is bright, talented, and has excellent communication skills. And, especially pleasing to us, she is on the "young side" of the much-discussed digital divide. We would love to steal her away for ourselves. Melissa Tuel is our Rising Star of the Year for 2007-2008!

Friendliest Place Award for 2007-2008:   Hoke County Public Library

Our favorite place in Hoke County is the Hoke County Public Library. The staff is friendly and helpful, while the overall environment is "busy" yet calm. We always exit the library with a better feel for the pulse of the community. For both newcomers and old-timers, the Hoke County Public Library is a wonderful place to visit and spend time.

Best Meetings Award for 2007-2008:   Raeford City Council

We don't like attending meetings after dinnertime. However, we have attended several Raeford City Council meetings and have come away impressed. The group stays on track without appearing overly scripted or rigid, with a give-and-take that is usually informative. Mayor John McNeill deserves credit for the pleasing balance of seriousness, humor, direction, and flexibility. He makes it look effortless. (We even suspect he could be yanked out of bed in the middle of the night wearing pajamas, thrown into a crowded room, and still run a meeting without a hitch.)

Top Educator Award for 2007-2008:   Denise Wallace

We have gotten to know many educators in the Hoke County school system and we like what we see. From our point of view, teaching is one of the most challenging and under-appreciated jobs in the world. This year's Top Educator Award goes to Denise Wallace, Director of Bands at East Hoke Middle School. Her achievements, talent, and dedication are outstanding!

Top Student-Athlete Award for 2007-2008:   Shamia Brown

Shamia Brown is a silky smooth, star athlete, with excellent grades, steady determination, and a dazzling smile. Wow! And every time we see her mother we want to give her a big hug also. Shamia just graduated from Hoke High School this year and we are already planning our visits to watch her play basketball at High Point University.