Photo by Erin Mizclle
Omari Simmons, middle, accepts his award, sponsored by Food Lion
and Novant Health. Ernie Pitt, left, helps give the award.
Omari S. Simmons
Community Service Award
Through the Simmons Memorial Foundation (SMF) that Professor Omari S.
Simmons created, he has provided exemplary and extensive service for the past
20 years to underrepresented students in our community, and in other commu
nities where he was previously employed.
Professor Simmons has worked quietly behind the scenes so many in our
community may be unaware of the significant contribution he has made to the
lives of our high school age students of color. His program provides information
and skill building to prepare students to apply for college, beginning with the
freshman year. He has helped students in the development of oral and written
communications skills, as well as shown them how to handle themselves in a
professional manner, as they prepare for college life after their secondary edu
cation.
Photo by Erin Mizellc
Elizabeth Speight, middle, accepts her award, sponsored by Food Lion
and Novant Health. Ernie Pitt, left, helps give the award.
Elizabeth Speight
Community Service Award
Elizabeth Speight has spent the last four decades of her life demonstrating a
commitment to serving others. She epitomizes what it means to be a role model
through her faithfulness and humility.
Since 1978. Speight has been the Rupert Bell Singers choir musician and
musical director. For over 38 years, she has upheld the mission of the Rupert
Bell Singers to minister to the residents of nursing homes, assisted living facil
ities and adult day care programs, averaging 20 performances a year, both in
Winston Salem and surrounding counties.
For over 20 years, she has served her home church. Greater Cleveland
Avenue Christian church, as a member of the Leadership Team, President of the
Christian Women Fellowship, and has also managed the church bookstore.
Speight was appointed a lifetime member of the Christmount Retreat
Center's Administrative Board and Council in Black Mountain. N.C. She has
organized a Woman's Weekend spiritual retreat at Christmount twice a year for
the last three decades, teaching and leading devotional sessions that allow par
ticipates to experiences a time of rest for the soul and spiritual renewal. Her
many years of performing acts of kindness and compassion far exceeds the
requirements of this award.