Mount Olive Area Chamber honors outstanding supporters and celebrates 2025 accomplishments

Twelve individuals and organizations were recognized for their 2025 contributions to the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce during its Annual Banquet and Awards Program Thursday night in front of an audience of about 100 people.

Mount Olive resident Carrie Kornegay received the RuL Huggins Lifetime Community Service Award, an award not presented annually, but “only when an individual is deemed worthy” of receiving the award, said presenter Julie Beck, chamber president.

Named in honor of former Mount Olive Mayor RuL Huggins, a longstanding member and supporter of the chamber, the award is given to an individual who has donated his or her time, resources and dedication to the Mount Olive community for many years.

“This individual has given back to the community time and time again by quietly leading and serving without expectation of recognition,” Beck said, noting several of Kornegay’s contributions:

• President of the Mount Olive chapter of the Carver High School Alumni and Friends Association, an active Chamber member made up of 100 active members and 50 volunteers who are organized to connect alumni and friends back to the school

• Organizer of the town’s coat drive, angel tree and annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth celebrations

• Active with the Community Soup Kitchen and Senior Center in Goldsboro

“Her work strengthens community pride, fosters civic engagement and shows dedication to the community,” Beck continued. “She promotes cultural awareness and inclusion, has served as a key spokesperson in key community cultural events and helps elevate understanding of Black history.”

Edward Olive received the Lillian B. Langley Award, named for a long-serving board member and presented to an individual who went above and beyond with attendance at board meetings, participation in events and was a behind-the-scenes worker bee. Olive, 2025 board chair, has served on the board three years and been a leader to other board members.

“He always has a smile on his face and a joke to share,” said presenter Melissa Kilpatrick.

Deaonna Williams received the Distinguished Youth award. A senior at Wayne Preparatory Academy, Deaonna has a 4.1 grade point average, is president of the student government, cheer captain, a track athlete and an officer in both Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America. She grew up in Mount Olive and has been accepted at every college where she applied. Community involvement includes leading a mobile library book box project and organizing food drives and holiday outreach. She also served as a page in the governor’s office.

Emily West received the Distinguished Educator Award for going above and beyond in the classroom and the community. A 3rd-grade teacher at Carver Elementary School, West has been a positive influence on her colleagues as well as her students. National Board Certified, she has led staff development at the school and district levels. During her 25-year career, West has been named Wayne County’s Math Teacher of the Year, Meadow Lane School’s Teacher of the Year twice, and Wayne County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Last year 100 percent of her students passed the end of grade test with proficiency, achieving top growth at the district and state levels.

Danny King received the Distinguished Senior Citizen Award, given to an older adult with a strong history of giving back to the community. King is the founder of the Mount Olive based nonprofit ADLA Inc. (A lot of Direction Love and Affection) and according to presenter Pernell Brickley, he has spent over 20 years transforming lives in and around Mount Olive.

“From his vision to his unwavering commitment, he has inspired hundreds, strengthened community connections and created a legacy of positive change in Mount Olive,” she said. “His leadership shows compassion, persistence and integrity. He serves as a role model and advocate for youth development, community unity and positive changes.”

Front Porch Florist and Gifts (owner Emma Smith) was honored as Small Business of the Year, an award that recognizes not only service to customers but to the overall community. Known for having the best decorated store front and its support of local school fundraisers, this business “is a gold mine,” said presenter Lauren Branch.

The University of Mount Olive was honored as the Business of the Year. Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, UMO is one of the largest employers in the area. It provides citizens the opportunity to attend outstanding events that are either free or low cost, including lectures, musical performances, athletic competitions and other special events. Its employees serve on community boards, and the University hosts career fairs and recruitment events for students and fun events for the community, including: AgFest, Pickle Classic Homecoming, Stem on the Green, Christmas Tree Lighting and the infamous New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop.

There were two winners for the Spirit of the Chamber Award: Mount Olive Police Chief Jason Hughes and the UMO Collegiate Future Farmers of America (CFFA). This award honors organizations or individuals who represent the chamber’s purpose of advancing the welfare and prosperity of Mount Olive and promotes the health, economic, civic, commercial, cultural and educational interests of the community.

Hughes “is always eager to offer his time, services and ideas to the planning and execution of any chamber and community event,” said presenter Edward Olive. “He makes sure that all visitors are safe and he’s not afraid to speak out when changes are needed to fulfill his responsibility to the safety of our town and guests. He serves as a great leader for his employees, is passionate and caring for the Mount Olive citizens and a great role model for

all.”

UMO’s CFFA organizes the successful and well-attended AgFest that brings hundreds of students to UMO and works closely with the agriculture community to host speakers, banquets and events. They coordinate Coats4Kids at two elementary schools, grow and sell products and volunteer at Pickles, Pigs & Swigs and the North Carolina Pickle Festival.

There were also two winners for the Moses E. King Contributions to the Community Award: Arts Council of Wayne County and Steele Memorial Library. The award is named for the former owner/operator of Piggly Wiggly, who was a longstanding member and supporter of the chamber. It’s given to an individual, business or organization that continuously gives back to the community.

Through decades of funding, partnerships and service, the Arts Council creates an engaging and vibrant Mount Olive, said presenter Lauren Saeger. Among other initiatives, the organization provided nearly $38,000 in grants to Mount Olive recipients last year and partnered with local artists to create an Artist in Residence space downtown. Steele Memorial Library “is a true gem” in Mount Olive, providing meeting spaces, on-site events and programs to help individuals applying for jobs, college and citizenship, as well as story time, music and movement, and historical walks, said presenter H.D. Grady, incoming chamber board chairman. “This business is more than books, but the true heart and soul of Mount Olive.”

Beck recognized outgoing board member Lauren Branch for five years of service to the board and reviewed highlights of 2025 for the audience:

• Chamber’s 95th Birthday Celebration

• Named Best Rest Stop by CycleNC

• Welcomed 13 new chamber members

• Downtown Block Party for UMO students and the community

• Candidates Forum

• Chat & Chew and Morning Mingle events

• 5th Annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs Festival

• 39th Annual North Carolina Pickle Festival, including the filming of a Kitchen Curious

episode by well-known chef Vivian Howard