A drug court coordinator, museum historian and social services department committee are the latest crop of recipients of New Hanover County’s “Rise to Excellence Awards,” presented to each in a recent ceremony.
The awards are presented to employees who exemplify the county’s core values, according to a description on the county’s website. Those values include integrity, accountability, professionalism, innovation and stewardship.
The criteria-based recognition program acknowledged the efforts of two county employees and a group of employees in the past year. Recipients included Penny Craver, coordinator of the county’s drug treatment court; Janet Davidson, historian at Cape Fear Museum; and the FISH committee of the social services department— Katy Bell, Alice Johnson, Melissa King, Crystal Le Duc, Neely Poelling and Rosanna Zeh.
Craver was recognized for instituting the drug court’s “Super Six” incentive program, which rewards clients who have achieved six months of sobriety without any violations since the previous court session.
An award description states Craver “epitomizes the kind of professionalism, stewardship, leadership and integrity that illustrates the essence of public service.
“With over three decades of impeccable commitment and dedication to helping individuals rise out of the doldrums of misfortune and despair, Penny continues to offer hope and inspiration that saves lives and transforms individuals into productive members of society.”
The description adds the award is given in recognition of Craver’s “many years of tireless devotion and selfless dedication to improving the quality of life of hurting people, and for giving outstanding service to the judicial service and the community while performing her work with dignity and honor.”
Davidson was honored for her efforts in attending the Yale Public History Institute last year, making Cape Fear Museum one of only five institutions nationwide to be provided with an all-expense paid, weeklong training for three staff members.
An award description states Davidson demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in researching and applying for the program as part of her efforts to research and learn about the Cape Fear region and its history.
“In an effort to find new ways of telling these stories, Janet researched programs and found an innovative way of obtaining an important training opportunity,” the description states. “She applied and was accepted to the Yale Public History Institute, whose mission is to enhance the interpretation of African American history.
“By searching for programs of relevance to the Cape Fear Museum’s mission, Janet enhanced her knowledge and ability to accurately guide museum exhibit development through telling local stories important to the record of the community.”
Also recognized was the FISH committee, which Bell, Johnson, King, Le Duc, Poelling and Zeh established to boost employee morale and serve as the voice of the children’s services section of the department of social services, according to a summary.
“In the few months since this committee’s inception, they have made tremendous efforts in improving the morale of the section as well as improving internal customer service, which in turn is passed on to clients,” the summary said.
Among the committee’s efforts have been obtaining a coffee machine and coordinating food truck visits for employees, organizing a group to run a 5K for charity, posting cards with positive messages for coworkers, and creating a section board to inform others of their efforts.
“The FISH Committee also hears concerns and solutions from coworkers,” the summary said. “One of these solutions was to acquire stools for small children who frequently visit so they can now reach the sinks. These employees are committed to improving peer interactions, enhancing teamwork and delivering exceptional service to clients.”
Pictures of recipients are to be posted in a gallery at the New Hanover County Government Center. A list of present and past recipients can also be viewed on the county’s website.
