Service can mean many things.

From the word of instruction in the classroom.

To the kind word in times of need.

To a calm and helping hand during a storm.

Janie Spencer was named the recipient of the 2013 Scuppernong River Festival Distinguished Citizen Award. That award is presented annually to a distinguished Columbia or Tyrrell County citizen.

Ms. Spencer is a life-long Tyrrell County resident who is best known for her work with youth and as a member of the Tyrrell County Board of Education.
“I left after high school and I stayed in New York. I returned in 1979 and I worked in Dare County for a while,” said Spencer.

Spencer was instrumental in developing the T.A.G. after-school program and later the S.O.S. program, an after-school tutoring program for elementary and middle-school children.

“Under TAG’s umbrella, I found out about the S.O.S. program. There was a Support Our Students grant that you could get from the state. There was a program where you could help at-risk students,” said Spencer when describing how she became involved in some of her earlier work.

She currently serves as Director of the Inner-Banks Hotline, a crisis center for battered families.

Last year’s recipient, Dr. Allan Brickhouse, presented the award during last Sunday morning’s church service at Salem Baptist Church in Columbia. Ms. Spencer is active in her church, serving in several capacities on an number of committees.

“Mr. Brickhouse led into the presentation with some description. Eventually he started talking about the TAG program and I knew what he was referencing. My church family gave me a standing ovation and that was very special,” said Spencer.

Some perks of the award involved being able to ride in the Scuppernong River Festival on a car and wave to the crowds.  A special plaque was also given out.

The Distinguished Citizen Award is given for lifetime or special service to the community through civic, cultural, service, church, volunteer, business, professional, elected, or other dedicated and committed contributions to the town or county.

Presented annually since 2004, recipients have included Carlisle Harrell, Barbara Spencer, George G. Owens, Sr., Shelton Ludford. David and Fiona Finch, Frances Voliva, Philip E. House, Sr., Joseph B. Wynns, and Dr. Brickhouse.

“I do not know who the next person will be who will receive the award. I was honored when I received the award.   There really are a lot of people that are doing good in the community,” said Spencer.

More background on the Scuppernong River Festival Distinguished Citizen Award:

What: An award (plaque) given annually to a distinguished Columbia or Tyrrell County citizen by the Scuppernong River Festival.

Criteria: Lifetime or special service to the community through civic, cultural, service, church, volunteer, business, professional, elected, or other dedicated and committed contributions to Columbia/ Tyrrell County.

Selection: By the Scuppernong River Festival Awards Committee.

The Awards Committee includes:

The immediate past year’s designee: Chairman
A member of the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners
A member of the Town of Columbia Board of Alderman

Presentation: Annually during the Scuppernong River Festival. The award will be presented by the immediate past winner or the Festival Chairman’s designee.

2005 Awards Committee
Carlisle Harrell, Chairman
Florence Bryant
Cavell Ayers

2006 Awards Committee
Barbara Spencer , Chairman
Florence Bryant
Cavell Ayers

2007 Awards Committee
George G. Owens, Sr. Chairman
Florence Bryant
Cavell Ayers

2008 Awards Committee
Shelton Ludford, Chairman
Florence Bryant
Mildred Ogletree

2009 Awards Committee
Shelton Ludford, Chairman
(for David and Fiona Finch)
Larry Hill
Mildred Ogletree
2010 Awards Committee
Frances Voliva, Chairman
Larry Hill
Mildred Ogletree