Educator joins Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Published 7:51 pm Thursday, August 1, 2013
A Beaufort County educator has become the latest to be awarded North Carolina’s highest honor for service: the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Friends and family surprised Mary Alice Chapin with the award at her 85th birthday party — also a surprise — on July 17. Chapin received the award as reward for the 45 years she dedicated to Beaufort County Schools. Chapin spent those 38 years at, first, John A. Wilkinson in Belhaven, then John Small Elementary in Washington, and finally as supervisor for the Washington city schools. For seven years after that, she performed placement testing for Beaufort County Community College.
According to Chapin’s son, Michael, 45 years was certainly dedication enough to get her recognized by the Governor’s office, when he submitted the paperwork — and a birthday party with all five of Chapin’s granddaughters and her three great-grandchildren (with one on the way) was the ideal time to present it.
“It was over a hundred friends and family that came for this — the furthest was from Delaware — it was a large gathering. She was very surprised and very appreciative,” Michael Chapin said.
Mary Alice Chapin grew up in Johnston County but moved to Beaufort County in 1948 as a new college graduate and a newlywed, who would soon dedicate her working life to Beaufort County Schools, he said.
“I really think she deserves (to be recognized),” he said.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to people who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state and is one of the highest awards given by the Governor.