The highest civilian honor the state can bestow. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the state and nation in the areas Literature, Science, the Fine Arts and Public Service. Up to six awards may be presented each year. Nominations can be submitted by anyone. Nominees are reviewed by the North Carolina Awards Committee with the final slate submitted to the Governor for their final approval.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is an honor granted by the State of North Carolina to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. It is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. Nominations can be made for individuals with 30 years or more of service to the State of North Carolina. A request for the award must be submitted by a human resources officer for state employees. Non-state employees are also eligible for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. To nominate a non-state employee three letters of recommendation are required.
The Old North State Award is presented by the governor to recognize “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.” Nominations can be made for individuals who have 20 or more years of service in the State of North Carolina. These submissions must be accompanied by a biography of the nominee and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available. Nominations are submitted to the Office of the Governor.
Certificate of Appreciation recognizes the efforts of an individual, organization, or business for their outstanding public service in North Carolina. Submissions must include a biography and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor.
Laurel Wreath Award is granted to those that have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. Individuals can be nominated by a teacher, coach, counselor, school administrator or community leader. All nominations should include supporting documentation such as previous athletic awards, news articles, or commendations, as well as a recommendation from a coach or athletic director. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor.
Student Excellence Award recognizes outstanding service by an individual student to their school or community beyond academic achievement. Submissions must include a biography of the nominee and two letters of recommendation (with at least one from a school principal, teacher, counselor, or administrator). Recommendations cannot be submitted by parents or other family members. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor.
Community Hero Award recognizes North Carolinians for outstanding acts of heroic service to others. This honor is reserved for individuals who have shown courage and compassion under extraordinary circumstances, such as those who have saved the life of another person. This award is administered at the Governor’s discretion.
Medallion Award for Volunteer Service
The Governor's Medallion Award for Volunteer Service was founded by the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in 2006. The award recognizes the top 20 to 25 volunteers in the state each year. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor.
Medallion Award recipients are nominated at the county level by a panel of community leaders from across the state. Award recipients are honored at a recognition ceremony and receive a medallion signifying their community service accomplishments. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor.
NCWorks Awards of Distinction
The Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction honor outstanding examples from the state’s workforce development system. The NCWorks Commission, appointed by the governor and operating as the state’s official workforce development board, recognizes these outstanding individuals and businesses at a fall ceremony.
The Heritage Award, formerly known as the Folk Heritage Award, was established in 1989 by the N.C. Arts Council to recognize and honor traditional arts and artisans in North Carolina. Traditional arts emerge from community life and pass from generation to generation reflecting shared meanings and embodying community standards of excellence. Recipients include masters of such traditions as string band, gospel, balladry and blues music, weaving, boatbuilding and carving, pottery, storytelling, and others. The award celebrates contributions to communities and North Carolina’s cultural heritage. (every two years)
Nominations are submitted to the N.C. Arts Council, reviewed by a panel, and recommendations are passed on to the secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for confirmation.