Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children held its annual meeting on June 27 at Fish Hooks Restaurant in Belhaven, with approximately 30 people in attendance.

The Ms. Emma Children’s Service Award was presented to Betty Braxton in recognition of her dedication to the children and families she serves as a care provider at Kids Kollege in Washington.

Braxton was nominated by Kelli Russell and was selected among other nominees by the Beaufort County Local Interagency Coordinating Council.

As a part of the nomination, Russell stated that Braxton is an effective teacher, staff member and community leader, who is most of the time behind the scenes and needed to be recognized for her years of service that have produced happy, healthy children who are now thriving in our communities and beyond.

Sharon Hopkins, Horizon program director with Beaufort County Schools’ teen court program, and Shont’e Mason, director of Pamlico Pals, were selected by the Partnership as the Wendy Rawlings Volunteer of the Year Award recipients.

“Sharon has served on the Partnership’s board since 2012 and has always dedicated her time and attention to our work and has also partnered with us through the Teen Court program by providing much-needed community service assistance,” said Lisa Woolard, executive director of Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children.

“Shont’e and the young people she works with at Pamlico Pals teamed up with us to promote literacy,” Woolard said. “They restock gently used books in our children’s book boxes located in various organizations and businesses throughout Beaufort County, and we are so thankful for all of their help.”

The Partnership showcased its work around the theme of “Play Outside” during its annual meeting.

Those in attendance were able to view several “Play Outside N.C. Early Childhood Education” video clips that the Partnership was a part of with UNC-TV. The clips provide hands-on activities that childcare providers and parents can do along with their young children to promote early development and learning. The videos aired recently on PBS and are available at bhckids.org. China Ward, with the Children’s Learning Treetop in Chocowinity, was recognized for outstanding participation in the Play Outside N.C. video project.

“We are able to continue to positively impact young children and their families through the support and teamwork of everyone here as we work together to help the children of today become the leaders of tomorrow in Beaufort and Hyde counties,” Woolard said.

Woolard thanked outgoing president, Bishop James McIntyre, and welcomed incoming President Evan Lewis. New board members Renee Harvey and Hannah Easley began serving this month.

For more information about the Partnership, please call 252-975-4647, visit us at bhckids.org or follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.