The Craven Community College (Craven CC) Foundation hosted its 13th annual Community Fabric Awards (CFA), an annual event that celebrates leadership excellence in the community, at the Riverfront Convention Center on Tuesday, April 25. The event was created by the Foundation to showcase excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of service, and inspiration of others.
Nearly 500 people filled the banquet hall to celebrate this year’s recipients: Susan Moffat-Thomas for Individual Leadership, Trader Construction Company for Business Leadership, and New Bern High School Principal Jerry Simmons for Leadership in Education.
The event kicked off with a welcome by program host and WCTI News Channel 12 personality Brian North, followed by a brief message from Craven CC Foundation President Anne Schout and an invocation by Foundation board member Linster Strayhorn, III. After a catered meal by the Chelsea Restaurant, Craven CC Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Charles Wethington introduced the presenting sponsors: CarolinaEast Health System and Ward and Smith, P.A.
Next, the audience heard from Lauren Goins and Rhianna Day, two Craven CC students who benefitted greatly from the Foundation’s support of their educational pursuits. Finally, each of the CFA recipients took the stage to accept their respective awards.
Moffat-Thomas has resided in New Bern for 42 years and made a profound difference through her participation in local and state boards and committees, as well as her efforts in the revitalization of the downtown district. She took New Bernians on a trip down memory lane with a factual recount of city history.
“Thanks to a generation of stakeholders who invested their time, talent, and leadership skills to work in partnership with local government, we can all take great pride in New Bern’s recognition as the most beautiful, charming, small town and historically rich place in the state,” she said. “This group of committed public and private citizens accomplished the toughest task there is to accomplish in the economic arena. The achievements were tangible and measurable, New Bern regained its sense of place, and I am very proud I was a member of this team, and I’m very honored to receive this award.”
Trader Construction Company began in 1957 and has made countless contributions to the betterment of Craven County through volunteerism, donations, and participation in local organizations. President Carl Huddle explained that the company first began sponsoring the CFA event in 2012, and how excited he and his employees were upon learning they were being recognized among the ranks of such great community leaders.
“It is an inspiration to us all, and we at Trader are certainly honored to be listed among the winners – but we’re more honored to be part of such a wonderful community,” he said. “We know there’s much to be done to meet the needs of our community, but you can count on the people at Trader to work alongside all of you to make a better future for everyone.”
Jerry Simmons will soon be retiring on the cusp of his 10th year as New Bern High School’s principal. His selfless commitment to his students and staff, as well as parents and the community, have made him an integral part of this community’s livelihood.
“I thank you again for believing in New Bern High School and trusting us with these incredible young adults,” he said. “You are an amazing community, which makes this award even more special. Whether elected, selected, or appointed, a leader has an obligation to the community. Please continue to demand excellence from all of our leaders and require that they lead the way.”
Funds raised through CFA event sponsorships and ticket purchases are used to support the Foundation’s programs, as well as equipment, facilities, and emerging initiatives of the college. To date, CFA events have raised more than $500,000 in support of its mission. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of its donors, over $500,000 was offered in assistance to more than 800 students during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
To find out more about the Craven CC Foundation and ways to support students, visit cravencc.edu/Foundation.
