Patricia Gale, of Manteo, has been awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her work as a volunteer for Manteo Elementary School, WaterLife Thrift Store, the Dare County Special Olympics, Dare County Senior Games and My Father’s Tabernacle Kids’ Christmas Shop, as well as an assortment of church Vacation Bible Schools and other community activities. Gale was nominated for the award by Hollie Writtenberry, who serves as a music teacher and volunteer supervisor at Manteo Elementary School.

“Patricia (Patt) is one of the most dedicated volunteers I’ve ever met,” Writtenberry wrote in her North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination form. “She supports so many students and individuals in Dare County. Patt volunteers with the music program at Manteo Elementary School, where I am the director. She devotes countless hours to music students working on the chorus holiday productions and the spring musical. She assists with weekly rehearsals, works backstage, procures costumes and props, and helps with songs and stage blocking. Patt is literally my right-hand woman; she sees a need and steps up without ever having to be asked. It's just how she is.”

Writtenberry also highlighted Gale’s dedicated volunteer service to the Dare County Special Olympics and Dare County Senior Games, as well as her work with WaterLife Thrift Store, which is located at Whalebone Junction in Nags Head.  

“She has a special heart for those who need a helping hand and spends many long hours on the field in all kinds of weather supporting our local athletes,” she wrote. “Patt is also a regular volunteer at WaterLife Thrift Store. From sorting donations to feeding volunteers and shoppers, she is always available to lend a helping hand.”

As she continued her nomination, Writtenberry praised Gale for her kind and compassionate nature—traits that shine brightly in her interactions with local students at Manteo Elementary School and the various Vacation Bible Schools to which she volunteers her time and attention.  

“Mrs. Patt, as she is affectionately known in our community, has such a heart for others and is truly one of the most giving, compassionate people I’ve ever encountered,” she wrote. “I have literally watched her take her coat off and give it to a chorus student at the Manteo Christmas Tree lighting event. All of our Exceptional Children adore Mrs. Patt at school; she goes the extra mile to help them feel included and successful in our school activities. She is sensitive to their needs and responds with love and care. Patt is often seen volunteering at assorted church community activities, including My Father’s Tabernacle Kids’ Christmas Shop and various Vacation Bible Schools.” 

Concluding her nomination form recommending that Patricia Gale receive the prestigious honor of being awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Writtenberry commented on the infectious enthusiasm and creativity she displays during these interactions—and noted the unique ways she connects with and uplifts the children in the community she serves. 

“Patt doesn’t just show up to help; she is fully committed, often seen in creative costumes and bringing joy to so many children,” she wrote. “Patt is such a bright light in our community, not only through her dedicated service but also in the example she sets for all our students. Patt is a true example of putting others’ needs before your own. I can think of no better recipient more deserving than Mrs. Patt to be recognized for her outstanding volunteer service in Dare County.”

Michael MacLean, of Kill Devil Hills, has been awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his many years of extraordinary dedication and selfless service to First Flight High School Athletics and the First Flight High School Nighthawk Club (formerly the First Flight High School Booster Club). MacLean was nominated for the award by fellow First Flight High School volunteer Melissa Overton, who shared the considerable amount of time and energy he dedicates to assisting the school’s many athletic programs, often behind the scenes.  

“Michael’s volunteerism goes far beyond what is expected; he has become a constant and reliable presence supporting countless athletic programs, including football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and more,” Overton wrote. “He spends innumerable hours in the concession stand—ordering food, preparing and cooking meals, serving families and fans, and ensuring everything is organized and ready for each event. His commitment often requires evenings, weekends, and long stretches of time when others are enjoying the games from the stands.” 

As she continued her comments, Overton noted that MacLean’s volunteer service not only benefits the students, parents, teachers and community members attending local sporting events hosted by First Flight High School—his dedication to volunteerism also has a direct and measurable impact when it comes to providing the financial support that is needed for Dare County’s student-athletes to excel in their athletic endeavors.   

“Through his efforts, Michael has helped meet a critical need for fundraising and operational support that directly benefits student-athletes and school programs,” she wrote. “The concession stand is a vital source of revenue, and Michael’s leadership and consistency have ensured its success year after year. Families, fans, and visiting teams have come to recognize Michael as the welcoming and familiar face of First Flight concessions, embodying school spirit and community pride.”

Concluding her comments recommending that MacLean be considered for the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Overton expressed her appreciation for his willingness to always go above and beyond in his volunteer service to First Flight High School’s athletic programs and events—regardless of the type of work that is required or the amount of time his assistance is needed.  

“In addition to game-day responsibilities, Michael dedicates weekends to behind-the-scenes work, including cleaning out the concession stand and rebuilding the commemorative brick display at the entrance of the football field—an enduring symbol of community support,” she wrote. “His reliability, work ethic, and genuine care for the school make him an invaluable volunteer. Michael MacLean’s service reflects outstanding commitment, quiet leadership, and a heartfelt dedication that has left a lasting positive impact on the First Flight High School community.”

R.D. (Pops) Price, of Stumpy Point, has been awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his work as a volunteer with the Stumpy Point Volunteer Fire Department (SPVFD). Price was nominated for the award by SPVFD President Phil York, who highlighted the many different roles Price has played throughout his extensive volunteer service with the SPVFD over the course of nearly three decades.  

“For more than 28 years, R.D. (Pops) Price has served the SPVFD and the Stumpy Point Village in many forms, from Fire Chief, Engineer, Training Officer, leader, recruiter, fundraiser, protector, and many more,” York wrote in his nomination form, which shared several examples of his dedication to ensuring the safety of those who reside within his community located on the Dare County mainland—as well as the service providers and local first responders who provide additional assistance to Stumpy Point when emergency situations occur in the village.”    

“R.D. is always available to direct and advise the power company, Tideland Electric, as to where the power line is down or where the transformer is on fire, saving them time in searching for the problem,” York wrote. “He is always aware of citizens being out of town so as to protect their homes from harm. He supports the village with vast medical knowledge when on Fire Department calls, as well as medical history needed for the EMS [personnel] coming to our village.”

As he continued his comments, York commented on the role that Price’s wealth of knowledge and experience earned through his dedicated service to the U.S. Navy play when responding to calls for service—and the way he routinely shares this incredible skill set with his fellow community members in a variety of positive and impactful ways.  

“R.D. has served our community with his vast knowledge of water safety, from his Navy and other on-the-water experiences to simply teaching residents how to sail or operate their vessels,” York wrote. “There are so many examples that only the people directly affected know about, but one major example is R.D. was on-site daily throughout the two years of building our Fire Department building some years ago. If the citizens of Stumpy Point Village have a need, R.D. (Pops) Price is the man to call!”

Becca Harich, of Maple, has been awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her outstanding, sustained, and selfless service to citizens across Dare County and surrounding communities through her leadership of Lights of Christmas. Harich was nominated for the award by Major Brandon C. Henderson with the Camden County Sheriff's Office. 

“Mrs. Harich is the driving force behind Lights of Christmas, a community-based organization dedicated to ensuring that families in need—particularly those from historically marginalized populations—experience dignity, stability, and hope during the holiday season,” Major Henderson wrote in his Governor’s Volunteer Service nomination form. “Through her leadership, the organization provides thousands of donated gifts and essential support to children and families who might otherwise go without. This work reflects a significant and ongoing dedication to individuals and families facing economic hardship, social barriers, and limited access to resources.”

As he continued his comments, Major Henderson noted that a defining component of this effort is the organization’s coordination of gift deliveries conducted by Santa Claus, escorted by law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and EMS agencies throughout Dare, Currituck and Camden counties each year. 

“These escorted deliveries ensure gifts are delivered safely and respectfully while fostering meaningful, positive interactions between first responders and the communities they serve. For many recipients, this is their only direct engagement with public safety professionals in a non-emergency setting, leaving a lasting and positive impression,” he wrote. 

“What sets Mrs. Harich apart is not only the scope of her service, but her insistence on doing the work properly and with integrity. She coordinates volunteers, manages donations, partners with public safety agencies and community organizations, and ensures resources are distributed fairly, respectfully, and without stigma. This is not a short-term or symbolic effort; it is sustained service requiring months of planning, coordination, and personal investment each year.”

At the conclusion of his nomination form, Major Henderson praised Harich for her tireless dedication to providing volunteer service—as well as the wide-ranging impact her efforts have on those within the numerous communities she serves through the Lights of Christmas program each year. 

“Mrs. Harich does not seek recognition. She leads quietly, works tirelessly, and places the needs of others ahead of her own. Her efforts strengthen the social fabric of the region and reflect the highest standards of volunteerism, compassion, and civic responsibility,” he wrote. “In every respect, Becca Harich exemplifies the values this award was created to honor: service before self, dedication to those in need, and leadership through action. I offer my strongest recommendation that she be recognized with the 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.”

Jo Anne Mathus, of Kill Devil Hills, has been awarded a 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for dedication to preserving the culture and history of Roanoke Island and Dare County through her work caring for—and educating the public about—historic and heritage livestock at Island Farm, a 501(c)(3) non-profit on Roanoke Island. Mathus was nominated for the award by Jane Bailey, who serves as a volunteer coordinator for Island Farm. 

In recommending that she be considered for the award, Bailey noted that Mathus has volunteered her time with Island Farm for six years, contributing over 1,000 hours of service in which she focuses on animal care and event support—two essential areas of need for the organization.

“Jo Anne works closely with Island Farm’s livestock staff to care for the site’s historic and heritage breeds,” wrote Bailey. “She tends to a flock of five sheep—three Hog Island and two Tunis–Shetland crosses—both heritage breeds vital to the farm’s historic interpretation and visitor experience. These animals serve as ambassadors for the Hog Island breed, to the history of the Mid-Atlantic states during the Antebellum period, and help connect guests to the agricultural practices of the Outer Banks’ early settlers.”

Bailey’s North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination also noted that, throughout her service to Island Farm, Mathus’ responsibilities have included everything from maintaining pastures and removing invasive species to coordinating with other livestock volunteers, and socializing the sheep so they can safely and comfortably interact with visitors. 

“This past year, Island Farm formally acquired ownership of a new flock after the community member and shepherd, who hosted her flock at the Farm, retired—a transition made possible by Jo Anne’s consistent care and oversight before, during, and after the process,” Bailey wrote. “Jo Anne frequently assists staff with tasks such as feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining grazing pastures, and providing intermittent veterinary care. She actively engages visitors by involving them in grooming and feeding the sheep, creating meaningful and memorable experiences for families seeking to connect with local history and living heritage.”

In addition to providing quality care to an assortment of animals at Island Farm, Mathus also plays an instrumental role in ensuring one of the most popular events hosted by the nonprofit organization each year is a huge success.

“Jo Anne plays a central role in Island Farm’s largest annual event, Pumpkin Patch, held each October,” wrote Bailey. “During this event—now in its 14th year—she serves as a primary point of contact for visitor information and manages point-of-sale operations for pumpkin sales. Jo Anne volunteers an average of 20 hours per month, increasing to up to 40 hours per week during Pumpkin Patch.”

Bailey also noted that, during this annual event, Mathus is responsible for overseeing point-of-sale (POS) transactions for all pumpkins sold, a financial responsibility totaling approximately $6,000 in 2025 revenue. 

“The event could not operate at its current scale without her expertise. She is one of the handful of volunteers who works every Saturday in October for full shifts alongside staff, and she is the only volunteer entrusted with financial management for the organization,” she wrote. “Her support allows Island Farm to run two POS systems at separate locations across the 16-acre site, increasing the farm’s donation and revenue capacity.”

As she continued her comments, Bailey also praised Mathus for her wealth of knowledge and experience—which she shares freely with Island Farm visitors and other volunteers alike—as well as her willingness to step up to the plate and take on virtually any task that needs to be completed for the nonprofit organization.  

“Jo Anne is kind, warmhearted, and consistently generous with her knowledge,” Bailey wrote. “She stands out among volunteers for her deep commitment to the heritage and history of the Outer Banks. She is adaptable, diligent, and unwavering in her responsibilities. She readily responds to animal health needs and assists staff with larger livestock, including Corolla ponies and an American Milking Devon.” 

Building on those sentiments, Bailey went on to highlight another key aspect of Mathus’ impact for which the organization and visitors are appreciative—her infectious enthusiasm and the energy she brings to every corner of Island Farm through her dedicated volunteer service.

“Jo Anne brings with her a bubbly and exuberant atmosphere to her time at the Farm,” Bailey wrote. “Her warmth and welcoming atmosphere put new and less experienced volunteers at ease. During our Pumpkin Patch event, she is a pillar of our volunteer education program, and readily takes new volunteers under her wing to get them acquainted (and help them also fall in love) with Island Farm. Her initiative and the level of responsibility she carries put her in a class all her own.”

At the conclusion of her nomination, Bailey offered a powerful reflection on the full scope of Mathus’ contributions—highlighting not only her tireless work ethic, but also the lasting impact she has on Island Farm and the wider Dare County community.

“Jo Anne’s contributions help preserve the heritage of the Outer Banks and inspire the next generation of environmental and cultural stewards. She is an invaluable asset to the community, combining public outreach, educational engagement, and dedicated animal care. She is also affectionately known as the “Pumpkin Queen” during Island Farm’s Pumpkin Patch event. Whether facing a sick lamb, clearing a downed tree from a pasture, or welcoming more than 100 guests, Jo Anne approaches every challenge with energy and resolve—her demeanor always saying, ‘I got this, what’s next?’”