2024 Community Award Finalists

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Announcements, Programs & Initiatives

Each one of the following finalists have been selected based off of the heartfelt submissions made by the community this year. While only one can win in each category, each of these businesses and individuals are deserving of these titles and we hope they are proud of their accomplishment and see how much the community appreciates their involvement and dedication.

Many of these summaries were contributed by those that made submissions, as well as colleagues, supervisors, spouses, and other loved ones.

We now ask our community to vote and help us select the winners for each of these esteemed awards! You can vote either by using the Google Form (sign-in is required to limit multiple votes) or by emailing director@wintervillechamber.com with your choices. You are not required to vote in each category. Voting closes at midnight on November 30th. Winners will be recognized at our Annual Celebration on December 12th.

If you would like to learn more about any of the finalists, we used the information provided with each submission to help compile the reasons why they deserve the award and included them below:

  • Winterville Business of the Year Finalists
    • Amy Lima Photos – Amy got involved in the Winterville Chamber after moving here from Massachusetts. She previously specialized in landscape photography, branching out into family and professional photos as her connections grew in Winterville. Since 2022 Amy has tirelessly supported the Chamber and it’s businesses by providing quality photographs of their biggest milestones with joy and efficiency. With her history as a teacher, Amy often looks for ways to give back through the schools here as well as the businesses in the community.
    • Phoenix Sign Pros – Eddie Thornton and Stacy Wilson started PSP in 2017 and have been continuously expanding on not only their portfolio, but their excellent reputation and commitment to community ever since. They’ve built a phenomenal team of skilled professionals that are at home within their doors. And when there’s an opportunity to serve another local business, you’ll find Phoenix there.
    • Sweet Porpos Rolled Ice Cream and Bakeshop – Founded with a mission to support individuals with disabilities through employment, education, and community service. Dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual disabilities achieve independence and contribute meaningfully to society, Sweet Porpos promotes their integration into the workforce. Recently, the business successfully reopened at its new location on Firetower Road after being forced to relocate due to the Old Tar Road widening project. Despite the challenges, they continue to offer delicious treats while making a positive impact on the community—proving that serving both sweets and society is at the heart of what they do best!
  • Winterville Citizen of the Year Finalists
    • Abbott Hunsucker – Abbott has been a dedicated member of the Winterville Historical and Arts Society (WHAS) for 20 years, serving as Treasurer and significantly contributing to the organization’s success. Initially, his role may have seemed limited to managing the bank account and processing tax returns, but as others have become more involved, it’s clear that his contributions extend far beyond these responsibilities. In thinking about the most generous and selfless person in town, many say Abbott Hunsucker immediately comes to mind. Not only is Abbott generous with his financial resources, but also with his time, energy, and talents. Abbott is a vital link not only for WHAS but also for the Winterville Christian Church, where he has made faithful and generous contributions. His value to these organizations is immeasurable, as illustrated by his numerous roles within them.
    • Mattie DeJesus – Mattie is a native to Winterville and graduate of WH
      Robinson – when it was still a High School. She is an active member of the community, and believes strongly in speaking up for what she feels is important. In the last few years she has joined the WHAS board, and has been instrumental in bringing about their Black Pioneers & Trailblazers event series. She has no plans to slow in her dedication to Winterville and its residents.
    • Willard Joyner – Willard is a longtime resident with a strong commitment to Winterville, and a dedicated member of Winterville Baptist Church. Known best for his skill and passion for helping others including but not limited to his involvement in Chicken on a Mission, building and donating some of the Blessing Boxes in town, and building handicap ramps for local residents in need. If there’s a need that Willard can fulfill, he’s always eager to do so.
  • Winterville Teacher of the Year Finalists
    • Chad Moore (AG Cox Middle School) – Coach Moore strives so hard to get kids interested in science and social studies. He spends hours trying to make his lessons better each week. He also coaches baseball and football, where he tries his best to not only be a good coach, but also to be a good mentor for these young men. He values team work and education above winning and he tries to instill that in his teams.
    • Donna Bell (WH Robinson Elementary) – Donna has dedicated 10 years to teaching with Pitt County Schools, with 7 of those years spent at W.H. Robinson Elementary. Recognizing her commitment to the school and her peers, Principal Ms. Roundtree promoted her to Instructional Coach, a role Donna has excelled in for the past two years. A phenomenal educator, she was named W.H. Robinson’s Teacher of the Year during the 2019-2020 school year. Donna is a supportive leader who works tirelessly to represent her fellow teachers on district teams, always advocating for their needs and success.
    • Pamela Day (Wintergreen Intermediate) – a dynamic and multi-talented music teacher at Wintergreen Intermediate, has been selected as a finalist for Teacher of the Year. Since joining the school in 2021, after over a decade of teaching in Onslow County, she has brought her passion for music and enthusiasm to her classroom, inspiring students with her creativity and energy. A proud ECU and LSU graduate, Pamela’s expertise spans multiple instruments, making her music lessons engaging and unique. Known for her elaborately decorated classroom and fun costumes, she goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for her students. Outside of the classroom, Pamela also brings her love for music to the Winterville Watermelon Festival, where she serves as a part-time DJ.
  • Winterville Volunteer of the Year Finalists
    • Aletha Cummings – Aletha is someone who consistently puts others before herself. After her son’s injury, she devoted herself to his care, taking him to rehabilitation appointments, while also caring for her grandmother-in-law, who lived with them and had progressing senility. Despite the full-time demands of caregiving, Aletha continued working full-time in the mortgage industry. She also found time to contribute to her son’s school events, Cub Scout fundraisers, wrestling activities, and later, to events for adaptive sports programs. Aletha’s selflessness and ability to balance these commitments while supporting her family and community make her an exemplary nominee. Now, she also finds continuous ways to be a supporter of our Chamber and helping members get the most of out of our organization. She shows up time and again to support our Director in her role, and always with a smile on her face. To top it off, Aletha never seeks credit for all she does.
    • Heather Jackson – an integral part of the Winterville Watermelon Festival for over seven years, with three of those years as Board Chair. Her tireless dedication to the festival and the town of Winterville is unmatched. Always the first to volunteer and the last to leave, she gives her time and energy selflessly, working to the point of exhaustion to ensure every task is completed. Her love for Winterville drives her to be involved in any effort that helps make the town a better place. Whether it’s organizing the festival or stepping up for other community needs, she consistently demonstrates her passion and commitment to the people around her. Her unwavering dedication and her willingness to say ‘yes’ to every call for help make her a truly deserving candidate for Volunteer of the Year.
    • Michele-Marston Stevens – This person has given hours to all students at AG Cox Middle and is still going! Looking out for every student, teacher, administrator for hours each week and asking for nothing in return. We appreciate her leading our AG Cox Parent Teacher Organization and working hard to create a sense of community for every child. Not only did she create and manage to bring in volunteers and community support from all over the county to cultivate a healthy and safe space for over 215 students to celebrate the Halloween Holiday but she did it with intention to create spaces that were more quiet for those sensitive to lots of noise and is already planning to do it again this year for even more students and parents. She coordinated Raider Fam Fridays where parents were serving in the school every Friday for months to assist staff with class transitions and hallway monitoring, cultivating the true parent engagement every school needs. She proctored End of Grade tests and helped coordinate with the chamber for Thanksgiving meals for over 20 families, hand delivering a few of those to young men at the Hope is Alive House. And every bit of this work was unpaid and in her spare time. As a mother, bonus mother and now foster mother she somehow finds the time every time for students and teachers right in the heart of Winterville every week and is intentional with driving customer traffic into local Winterville business for fundraisers.
  • Winterville’s Most Dedicated Public Servant Finalists
    • Rick Britt – Winterville Rescue & EMS – Rick Britt has led Winterville Rescue & EMS to become an outstanding EMS organization. WEMS operates as part of the Winterville Fire-Rescue-EMS Department but is actually a non-profit. Rick has led with integrity and humility and has earned the respect of everyone in our region. He has been a leader in our department since 1987. As the busiest EMS unit in the county, the level of professionalism is second to none. Rick led the charge for implementing (with a grant) the Pulsepoint App that notifies citizens who are trained in CPR in proximity to cardiac arrests. Rick helped to promote hands-on CPR in the community, as well as Pit-crew CPR for Fire, EMS, and police. He has been a leader and champion for our overall cardiac arrest response, leading to record-setting cardiac arrest save rates in the Winterville Community and Pitt County. I could go on…he is a fire instructor and EMS instructor. He has been a paramedic for 20 years, an EMT-I, and an EMT Basic even longer. he has been a certified firefighter since the early 1990s. He works on the EMS unit an average of 24 hours per week in addition to command, control, and administrative functions. Rick is a true servant leader who has produced life-saving results in our community.
    • Sgt Charles Hamilton (Winterville Police Dpt) – Charles William Hamilton Jr. has devoted his life to public service, beginning with his enlistment in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1999. Over his 20-year military career, he served two tours in Iraq and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2020. Parallel to his military service, Charles pursued education, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, along with several law enforcement certificates. He started his law enforcement career in 2011, joining the Winterville Police Department in 2014 as a Patrol Sergeant. In addition to his duties, he serves as the County Coordinator for the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, coordinating traffic enforcement efforts across nine agencies. He promotes community engagement and education, enhancing public safety and providing valuable resources to law enforcement. Charles has led initiatives in DWI enforcement, served as a full-time Drug Recognition Expert, and now educates fellow officers in DWI detection. He actively fosters community relationships, organizes events, and ensures the safety of large gatherings like the Winterville Watermelon Festival. Through his military and law enforcement careers, ongoing education, and commitment to community service, Charles exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a passion for making a positive impact.
    • Veronica Roberson (Winterville Town Council Woman) – A dedicated servant of Winterville, has been a pillar of this community, consistently demonstrating her passion for its growth and well-being as a Town Council Woman. Her commitment shines through her involvement with the Sheppard Memorial Library and the Mid-East Commission, where she has made a lasting impact. A staunch advocate for the Town’s employees, she tirelessly champions their needs and well-being. Retired from Pitt County Schools, where she shaped young minds as a teacher at A.G. Cox, Veronica continues her service as the board liaison for the Human Relations Council. Her dedication extends to her church, where she is an active and valued member. With deep ties to Winterville, she exemplifies what it means to serve with heart and purpose.
  • Winterville’s Favorite Spot to Shop Finalists
    • Grace and Grit Mobile Thrift Store – Grace & Grit is redefining thrift shopping by blending style, sustainability, and convenience in a traveling boutique. Founded by Angela and Tim Cunningham, this mobile shop pops up at breweries, markets, festivals, and more, offering a handpicked selection of unique, high-quality clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. With an ever-changing inventory and a passion for sustainable fashion, Grace & Grit ensures that every visit brings something new, whether it’s vintage finds, brand-new items, or home decor.
    • Coopers Cup – Winterville’s new “brewtique,” newly opened in July at 2588 Railroad Street. Owned by Toni and Lee Biscardi, this unique spot offers a perfect blend of coffee and local crafts. Named after the family’s chihuahua, the shop features a cozy coffee bar alongside shelves stocked with artisan-made products like soaps, jewelry, home decor, and more. The Biscardi’s are passionate about supporting local makers and fostering community.
    • Lowes Foods – Opened in May, this highly anticipated grocer is the new spot to be in Winterville! Offering more than the standard grocery stores with pick-n-prep produce, salad bar, beer den, plus delicious prepared foods at their SausageWorks, Chicken Kitchen, The Cakery, and more!
  • Winterville’s Favorite New Business Finalists
    • Coopers Cup – Winterville’s new “brewtique,” newly opened in July at 2588 Railroad Street. Owned by Toni and Lee Biscardi, this unique spot offers a perfect blend of coffee and local crafts. Named after the family’s chihuahua, the shop features a cozy coffee bar alongside shelves stocked with artisan-made products like soaps, jewelry, home decor, and more. The Biscardi’s are passionate about supporting local makers and fostering community.
    • Carolina Family Pool & Patio – This business brought their second location in Winterville in April. Founded in 2014 by Brandon Gray and co-owned by Zach Darden, this family-run business has grown into a trusted name in outdoor living, specializing in pool installations and services. From vinyl to fiberglass and gunite, they offer it all, along with a range of retail products like spas and above-ground pools for the DIY crowd. Rooted in values of Trust, Care, and Stewardship, Carolina Family Pool & Patio is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and building lasting relationships
    • Lowes Foods – Opened in May, this highly anticipated grocer is the new spot to be in Winterville! Offering more than the standard grocery stores with pick-n-prep produce, salad bar, beer den, plus delicious prepared foods at their SausageWorks, Chicken Kitchen, The Cakery, and more!

Ribbon Cutting for Gypsy Spirit Boutique!

On October 23rd we got to watch a dream come true by celebrating Gypsy Spirit Boutique with their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Winterville Train Depot! You can catch this mobile women's fashion boutique at vendor events around the area, and shop online at...

New Member – Proof + Balance!

New Member – Proof + Balance!

We are excited to welcome new business Proof and Balance to the Winterville Chamber family! Owner Jennifer Syers has called Winterville home for many years and brings over two decades of accounting experience to her new venture. After years of working in the...

New Member – Gypsy Spirit Boutique!

New Member – Gypsy Spirit Boutique!

We are thrilled to welcome new business Gypsy Spirit Boutique to our Chamber! Owner Colleen Roth is bringing her life-long dream to reality with the opening of her clothing boutique. As a military spouse, frequent moves plus children to raise weren't...