Interfaith Community Outreach—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals facing a temporary emergency crisis—has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. The Kill Devil Hills-based nonprofit was nominated for the prestigious award by Leigh Brinkley, who serves as a senior social worker for the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Social Services Division.

“Interfaith Community Outreach has been in existence for almost 20 years and has made a lasting and continued impact on the residents of Dare and Currituck counties,” Brinkley wrote in her Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form. “There have been well over 15,000 families served (over 1,000 annually), and Interfaith Community Outreach averages $400,000-$500,000 in outreach annually, with that number increasing each year.”

Since its establishment in 2003, Interfaith Community Outreach has helped over 19,000 individuals in need, expanding its program areas over the years to include disaster recovery, home rehabilitation, cancer support services and, most recently in the last year, mental health support.  

“Interfaith Community Outreach is one of the most well-known and most-accessed nonprofits in our community,” Brinkley wrote. “They are a trusted community partner with our local community foundation and a valued community resource for our residents.”

Brinkley also noted in her nomination form that, although Interfaith Community Outreach employs one full-time and two part-time staff members, the nonprofit organization is operated almost entirely by its more than 80 dedicated volunteers  and its funding comes from a series of grants and donations.

“Interfaith Community Outreach’s Vision is ‘bridging the gap,’ where no one will face an emergency crisis alone,” she wrote. “Its staff and volunteers certainly make sure no one struggles alone!

Aria Thompson has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her work as a volunteer for the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, a multigenerational facility on Roanoke Island that provides a variety of programs, activities and resources designed to enhance the lives of Dare County citizens. Thompson was nominated for the prestigious award by Sandy Pace, who served as director of the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center for several years until her retirement in 2024, and who currently serves as a volunteer supervisor for the facility. 

“Aria has been volunteering at the Tillett Center for a few years, and she has become a huge part of the Tillett Center senior group family,” Pace wrote in her Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form. “She spends her summers and school breaks helping to serve lunch to the seniors. She cleans tables, and delivers food trays and beverages to the seniors. She helps walk them to the other activities they are registered for. She will call bingo and help with art projects. She is kind, caring and loving to them all. They look forward to her being there and have all ‘adopted’ her.”

Pace also commented on Thompson’s natural ability to truly connect with those who frequent the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center to participate in its many offerings—and noted the many different roles she has played in her ongoing efforts to provide assistance and support throughout her volunteer service to the center. 

“She has made lots of older adults feel special and has shown unconditional love to them. She has said on several occasions, she would rather be there with them than go to school, haha,” Pace wrote. “She has also helped with the Tillett Center special events and helps [administrative technician Amy Crawford] in the front office. She loves to write the daily white board of activities, stuff envelopes, label envelopes, stuff name tags and organize a variety of items. She loves to spend time at the center and prefers that over many other outside activities she could do.”

Frank “Dale” Draper has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his work as a volunteer with Interfaith Community Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Kill Devil Hills whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals facing a temporary emergency crisis. Draper was nominated for the prestigious award by Interfaith Community Outreach Director Jennifer Albanese. 

“Dale Draper has dedicated 20 years to volunteering at Interfaith Community Outreach, engaging in outreach interviews to assist residents facing temporary emergency crises,” Albanese wrote in her Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form. “His unwavering commitment to helping those in need showcases his deep sense of compassion and responsibility towards his community.”

As she continued her nomination, Albanese highlighted the myriad ways Draper has made a positive impact on the local families and individuals who are served by Interfaith Community Outreach—and also noted the role his extensive military experience has played in furthering his volunteer efforts with nonprofit organization that has served more than 19,000 people since its establishment in 2003.  

“His notable achievements include orchestrating numerous successful community events and providing crucial support to families during times of hardship, thus addressing critical needs within the community,” she wrote. “Additionally, Dale’s impressive career in national defense and intelligence at the Pentagon—particularly in Naval Intelligence and Defense—has equipped him with exceptional skills that he brings to his volunteer efforts.”

Concluding her nomination form recommending that he be considered to receive a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Albanese commented: “Dale’s ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, offer practical solutions, and provide emotional support demonstrates his unique skills and exceptional attributes as a community leader. Furthermore, Dale's leadership qualities are evident in his capacity to inspire others to join volunteer efforts, fostering a spirit of cooperation and empathy within various organizations. His multifaceted involvement and dedication highlight his profound impact on our community, making him a deserving nominee for recognition.”

Beyond his work with Interfaith Community Outreach, Draper’s service has also extended to the Marine Corps League, Dare County Veteran Advisory Council, Mano al Hermano and his local church, All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores.

Ashley “Scout” Schillings has received a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her work as a volunteer for OBX Room at the Inn. Schillings was nominated for the prestigious award by fellow volunteer Shari Fiveash, who began her nomination form by noting the fact that Schilling’s education and professional experience make her the perfect fit for her multiple volunteer roles in the community. 

“Ashley ‘Scout’ Schillings exemplifies a remarkable commitment to volunteering with our agency, OBX Room In The Inn,” Fiveash wrote.

Fiveash continued by sharing additional details about Schilling’s volunteer service to OBX Room In The Inn, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2009 whose mission is to provide hospitality to homeless adults in the Outer Banks during the winter months and to provide support year-round.    

“Scout has generously devoted countless hours to our mission, serving tirelessly as the vice president and treasurer of the Board of Directors for OBX Room In The Inn,” Fiveash wrote. “She has not only created and managed all of our marketing and social media accounts but has also played a crucial role in organizing fundraising events. Additionally, Scout has applied for and secured many grants for our organization.” 

Schilling was also praised in the nomination form for her unique skillset, as well as her deep passion for devoting her time, energy and efforts to serving those in the Dare County community who are less fortunate or who have fallen on hard times. 

“Scout’s diverse skills are unparalleled. She brings expertise in nonprofit management, grants management, financial oversight, community outreach, fundraising, marketing and event planning,” wrote Fiveash. “Her unwavering dedication has been a true blessing to our agency, directly benefiting homeless adults on the Outer Banks. Without a doubt, Scout is passionately committed to elevating the missions of numerous charitable organizations in our community, and we are profoundly grateful for her ongoing volunteer efforts. Her contributions are invaluable, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Biff Jennings has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his work as a volunteer for the Dare County Special Olympics, a local organization whose mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Dare County community. Jennings was nominated for the prestigious award by Dare County Special Olympics coordinator Sandy Pace.

According to the nomination form submitted by Pace recommending that he be considered for the award, Jennings volunteered with the Dare County Special Olympics for many years, and he has served in several capacities that range from coach assistant and special event volunteer to overnight trip chaperone and professional photographer. 

“This past year, he has spent countless hours taking pictures at all of our sports practices, competitions and special events,” wrote Pace. “Not only does he take the pictures, he spends hours in the production process and then freely gives parents, coaches, volunteers and Dare County Special Olympics free access to all of them. He puts himself in many difficult positions through the filming process, filming equestrian events, Polar Plunges, dances, sports competitions, local and state level competitions, and special events. He also will help pick up athletes that do not have rides to ensure they can make it to practices and competitions. He is selfless in the giving of his time and talents.”

Pace continued to offer praise for the dedication Jennings has displayed through his volunteer service to the Dare County Special Olympics, noting that his efforts have increased the organization’s visibility within the Outer Banks community and beyond, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the athletes who rise to the challenge during each and every competition.  

“He has improved the local program footprint in the community with his sharp images showcasing each and every athlete and what they are capable of,” wrote Pace. “He has helped chaperone overnight state level competitions and is willing to do what it takes to help and assist the least among us to make sure they have the best possible experience. Dare County Special Olympics is blessed to have him. He makes himself available to our athletes no matter when called. He can be counted on as a volunteer and truly cares about our special needs community and wants to see them be all they can be and will support them in their endeavors.”

Cathy Dagg has received a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her work as a volunteer for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Dagg was nominated for the prestigious honor by Addison Orndorff, who serves as a volunteer coordinator for the aquarium. 

“Cathy has had a huge impact on our aquarium, specifically in our STAR Center,” Orndorff wrote in her nomination form, referring to the “Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation” Center located within the facility on Roanoke Island. “Every year, we take in hundreds of sea turtles in need of medical assistance and we get them better to get them back to the ocean. Cathy may be our most dedicated volunteer to our STAR Center. She has excellent attendance, she is passionate about what she does, and she is always so willing to help out the staff or other volunteers.”

In addition to her efforts to assist with the sea turtles being cared for at the STAR Center, a significant portion of Dagg’s volunteer work involves interacting with the many families and individuals who visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone she encounters.

“She is so knowledgeable about rehabilitating sea turtles and passionately shares/teaches that to others,” wrote Orndorff. “She has a hard work ethic caring for the turtles, and also does an excellent job educating the public as streams of aquarium visitors walk through the STAR Center; she passionately teaches them in a genuine way. Cathy is the only volunteer we have who comes in for a weekly full-day shift of 7-8 hours, along with her other weekly shift of 3-4 hours.”

Jim Bailey has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his extensive volunteer service with the Outer Banks Repeater Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of local amateur radio operators who are dedicated to aiding in providing essential communications in times of public need—including storms and other disasters and emergencies that may result in a disruption in other forms of communication, such as phone and internet service. 

Bailey was nominated for the prestigious award by Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson.  

“It is not just an honor but a true privilege to nominate Mr. Jim Bailey for the distinguished North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in Disaster as

well as a Lifetime Achievement Award,” Pearson wrote in his nomination form recommending Bailey receive the esteemed honor. “As I’ve discussed this nomination with countless people—many of whom only know Jim by his amateur or ‘HAM’ radio callsign, ‘N4ACT’—it became readily apparent that Jim’s enduring volunteer service set the example for many others, and his volunteerism has made not only a difference in Dare County, but reached far and wide.”

Bailey’s life journey included a successful career as a pharmacist in the Richmond, Virginia area, where he also became a well-equipped and seasoned HAM radio operator. Prior to his retirement, he served as a volunteer with the Colonial Heights Community Emergency Response Team, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board and Special Olympics events at the University of Richmond. Once he retired and moved to Nags Head in 2004, Bailey jumped full-force into volunteering with the Outer Banks Repeater Association. 

“Jim saw the vulnerabilities that our public safety and transportation

infrastructure face being surrounded by the ocean or a sound on both sides of land that barely rises above sea level,” wrote Pearson. “Knowing Mother Nature would test those vulnerabilities each and every day of the year, Jim quickly took leadership roles, teaching classes, providing mentorship, setting up equipment, supporting community events and serving as Dare County’s amateur radio emergency coordinator.”

As he continued his nomination form, Pearson commented on Bailey’s dedication and commitment to fulfilling his volunteer duties, despite the many times his public service required him to spend far away from his loved ones during times of crisis. 

“As our coordinator, Jim spent not just hours but days away from his family during

numerous hurricanes and tropical storms in the [Dare County] Emergency Operations Center’s ‘HAM Shack,’ which at the time was nothing more than a small closet stuffed with radio equipment,” wrote Pearson. “For years, the equipment in the closet was Jim’s bread and butter as he undertook his efforts to ensure seamless communications between other HAM radio stations and town, county, state and federal public safety officials.”

Pearson also highlighted the integral role Bailey has played in improving the community’s amateur radio communications over the years by ensuring the proper equipment was being utilized and sufficient space was made available for HAM radio operators.  

“In 2016, as our new Regional Emergency Communication Center - Emergency

Operations Center was being built, Jim’s expertise ensured we installed a cost-effective state-of-the-art amateur radio system, moving our new ‘HAM Shack’ out of a closet into a true communications room,” wrote Pearson. “The new system included a SHAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency (HF) radio capability that moves emergency messages to and from remote disasters. Jim’s foresight paid off as our amateur radio system seamlessly processed thousands of messages to and from Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria.”

Pearson continued, “Jim’s untiring efforts led to the establishment of a truly redundant communications system that works when others fail, ensuring life-saving communication paths are always available. The results of Jim’s efforts are a truly resilient amateur radio network that serves as a model for others to emulate.”

As he concluded his North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards nomination form, Pearson noted that Bailey’s influence on public safety extends far beyond his efforts as Dare County’s amateur radio emergency coordinator during storms and other disasters impacting area communications. 

“During Jim’s service to our community, we have seen the installation and maintenance of HAM radio equipment at 15 critical locations, including fire stations, town halls and the Outer Banks Health Hospital,” Pearson wrote. “Serving as the leader for our local HAM radio testing team, Jim personally taught or helped teach well over 200 people who went on to become FCC-licensed amateur radio operators. Finally, he has led communications missions for dozens of Emergency Operations Center activations and hundreds of planned events not just in Dare County but anywhere he was asked to help.”

Melanie Salinas has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her work as a volunteer for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Salinas was nominated for the prestigious award by Taylor McConnell, who serves as the aquarium’s volunteer supervisor. 

“Melanie is one of our high school volunteers. She is so passionate about things she talks about to guests while educating them at the stingray touch pools or on a discovery cart,” McConnell wrote in her nomination form recommending that Salinas be considered for the award. “She is also always willing to volunteer when we ask all our volunteers if someone wants to serve at an aquarium birthday party or event with 20-plus kids. Now, Melanie is getting trained by our dive staff so that she can be a volunteer diver. She loves the aquarium and always shows her passion for the field of marine biology. She is energetic and engages well with staff and guests.”

The numerous student volunteers from throughout the Outer Banks community who dedicate their time and efforts to serving on the Dare County Teen Court have been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. These student volunteers who comprise Dare County Teen Court were nominated for the prestigious award by Dare County resident Andria Pozzo. 

“As the parent of two First Flight High School graduates, I have attended hundreds of youth events in Dare County, from T-ball games to senior dance recitals. Dare County Teen Court participants quietly and faithfully attend their monthly cases after completing a full school day without an audience watching or applause expected,” Pozzo wrote in her nomination form recommending the volunteer students receive the honor. “Their carefully considered opinions apply and teach restorative justice to the benefit of their peers and our entire county. Although I can only name three members personally, I nominate all students participating in this process.”

Dare County Teen Court is a voluntary restorative justice diversion program offering local youth ages 11–18 (grades 6-12) a second chance by addressing misdemeanor offenses through education and accountability rather than traditional punishment. In this alternative justice system, student volunteers—who are trained and supervised by adults—play a vital role by serving as jurors, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs and court personnel. These student volunteers work together to determine a constructive and appropriate sentencing designed to help their peers participating in the program develop self-discipline, rebuild trust and make amends for their actions—without receiving a criminal record. 

As she continued her nomination form, Pozzo highlighted the extensive efforts exhibited by the student volunteers who devote their time and energy to the Dare County Teen Court program, noting that, on average, 13 volunteers are present for each case, with 20 cases being heard each year. 

By participating in Dare County Teen Court, local youth are empowered to take responsibility for their actions and avoid a juvenile criminal record—and the student volunteers who serve as jurors, attorneys and courtroom personnel are given the unique opportunity to gain knowledge about restorative practices and the justice system, explore potential legal careers, earn valuable volunteer hours for college and job applications, and ultimately make a meaningful and impactful contribution to their community.

“Dare County Teen Court has existed for many years,” wrote Pozzo, “and I hope that in 2025, the students will receive some of the recognition they have most definitely earned.”

Leonard “Len” Schmitz has been awarded a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his extensive volunteer service with several local organizations, including the Town of Southern Shores, the Town of Duck, Better Beaches OBX, the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.). Schmitz—who is described as “a community-focused individual who selflessly serves the Outer Banks”—was nominated for the prestigious award by Elizabeth Trimble, who serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Town of Duck.  

After retiring, Schmitz and his wife, Barbara—who had purchased a home on the Outer Banks in 1996—made the move from Gaithersburg, Maryland, to Southern Shores, making the property their permanent residence in April 2019. Following the move, Schmitz initially worked part-time while also volunteering in the community, and over time, he shifted his focus entirely to volunteering, dedicating more of his time and energy to giving back in myriad ways to the Dare County community he calls home.

Southern Shores Civic Association:

As an active member of the Southern Shores Civic Association, Schmitz volunteers his time contributing to a variety of projects, which include planting beach grass and installing Christmas trees along the shoreline to help strengthen the dune system, as well as assisting with various repair projects at the local marina and park areas in the Town of Southern Shores. Recognizing the increasing need for more accessible facilities within the community, Schmitz has been actively involved in fundraising efforts to create handicap-friendly beach crossover access, and to date, these efforts have raised over $7,000 for the project. 

Town of Duck:

Schmitz’s community dedication to volunteering extends beyond the Town of Southern Shores and into the neighboring Town of Duck, which relies on volunteers to help make its wide range of seasonal and year-round programs a success. According to the nomination form submitted by Town of Duck volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Trimble: “Len has been a key volunteer for initiatives such as beach grass planting, litter collection, the Duck Jazz Festival, and the 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration, as well as various smaller educational and entertainment events. With a background in sound production, Len has been especially invaluable for events requiring technical support with microphones and speakers. In 2024 alone, he generously donated 45 hours of his time to the Town of Duck.”

Better Beaches OBX:

Schmitz is also a dedicated advocate for the Outer Banks’ fragile but beautiful coastline. Soon after relocating in 2019, he began volunteering for Better Beaches OBX, an organization that works to build the local coastal dune system, which serves as a barrier to not only protect infrastructure but also stockpile sand prior to storm events. Schmitz’s work with Better Beaches OBX spans numerous capacities, including serving on the organization’s board, planting American beach grass during the planting season that runs from November to March, and strategically placing Christmas trees on the sand dunes to trap blowing sand and stabilize the dunes. According to the nomination form, from January through March and November through December 2024, Schmitz dedicated 170 volunteer hours to planting beach grass and placing Christmas trees on the beach. Additionally, after the holiday season, he used his personal vehicle and trailer to collect and place on the beach discarded trees left curbside for waste collection to recycle them as tools to protect the coastline. It is estimated that between 800 and 1,000 trees were placed along the dunes in 2024.  

Town of Southern Shores:

In 2024, Len took the initiative to establish a beach grass planting program in the Town of Southern Shores, working with the town to secure funding for the grass and leading over 50 volunteers, which included town council members, Scout troops and local businesses in the planting efforts. Each shipment of beach grass arrived at Schmitz’s garage, where he ensured its proper care before the planting dates. On planting days, he arrives at the planting site early to organize the grass along the dunes, ensuring volunteers can begin right away. If there is any beach grass that remains after the volunteer group finishes planting efforts, Len and his wife, Barbara, take it upon themselves to complete the work. In 2024, Len and his team of like-minded volunteers planted 60,000 sprigs of beach grass, covering 5,000 linear feet of dune line.

North Carolina Coastal Federation:
Schmitz’s deep commitment to the natural environment is further demonstrated through his active volunteer work with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the North Carolina coastline. One of the efforts facilitated by the organization is the Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which aims to restore wild oyster populations by returning oyster shells to the water. Schmitz began his work as a volunteer with this program in 2022 and, in 2024, he dedicated 225 hours to the Oyster Shell Recycling Program—including weekly oyster shell collections from local restaurants and drop-off locations using his own vehicle and trailer, hauling the Coastal Federation's dump trailer for large oyster roasts in Dare County and surrounding areas, and maintaining the public drop-off location at the Kitty Hawk Recycling Center.

“Len is a wonderful person to work with, a go-getter, he is ambitious and is often looking for ways to grow/make the Oyster Shell Recycling Program more efficient,” Victoria Blakey, who serves as a coastal specialist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation was quoted as saying in the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form that was submitted by Trimble. “We, the Federation, love having Len on our team!” 

Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T):
Schmitz’s dedication to preservation and conservation also extends to wildlife and his volunteer work with the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T), an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and other marine wildlife on the Outer Banks through research, rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 

In 2024, Schmitz volunteered 60 hours during the sea turtle nesting season that runs from May through September, conducting early morning ATV beach patrols to look for newly laid turtle nests, responding to nest sightings, and ensuring that turtle nests were properly marked and protected during incubation. Behind the scenes, Schmitz also helps with the repair and maintenance of N.E.S.T. supplies and provides sound and music support for the organization’s annual volunteer meeting. 

As she concluded her nomination form recommending Schmitz be considered for the honor of receiving a North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Trimble wrote: “In 2024, Len devoted over 500 hours of volunteer service to various organizations and programs throughout the Outer Banks, demonstrating his commitment to both the community and the natural environment. He is a kind, caring and selfless individual who consistently prioritizes the needs of others. Len’s dedication extends beyond individual efforts—his contributions enhance the well-being of the entire community and promote the preservation of the natural world. His actions reflect a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and protect the environment for future generations.”