Historical Society recognitions

While there was no dancing at the May meeting of the Historical Society of Topsail Island, the colorful Maypole centerpieces decorating the tables lent an air of celebration, as did the excellent lunch of fried chicken, potato salad and seasoned green beans provided by The Beach Shop & Grill. This month's meeting focused on some very special people: scholarship winners, Historical Society Officers, and the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Four high school seniors from both Topsail and Dixon High School have each been awarded a $1500 scholarship. The recipients are:

Brittany Renee Avery - Hampstead, N.C., Topsail High School, for Fashion & Textile Management at North Carolina State University

Jennifer Gerganous - Hampstead, N.C., Topsail High School, for Elementary Education at East Carolina University

Katelynn Elizabeth Roberto - Holly Ridge, N.C., Dixon High School, for Culinary Arts & Business at Johnson &Wales University

Anna Scott - North Topsail Island, N.C., Dixon High School, for Business Administration at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Historical Society's Education Committee reviewed scholarship applications. The winners have a GPA of 3.0 or better, are involved in community service, provided letters of recommendation and wrote a 500-word essay on Eastern North Carolina history.

The Historical Society Officers installed for the 2008-2009 year are Cecile Broadhurst, President; Judy Groff, Vice President; Lyndll Yawn, Secretary; Dave Stipe, Trustee; and Tim Horner, Treasurer. 

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Gwen Ward of Tarboro, NC, for her years of devotion to the Historical Society. Gwen was the Society's first president in 1985 and she was instrumental in establishing the early version of the Missiles and More Museum. She has been a faithful Board member since 1985, has served as Historian, Parliamentarian and Videographer. Ward has installed the Historical Society Officers for the past three years.

The next meeting of the Historical Society will be held on September 11, 2009.

For more information about the Historical Society or the Missiles and More Museum, contact Rose Peters, Museum Director, at (910) 328-2488.