2004 Nancy Susan Reynolds Award Winners

Paul Braun

Morganton

Paul Braun of Morganton, who received the Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for Advocacy, has devoted most of the last eight years to saving Lake James, which was developed by Duke Energy, from uncontrolled development. It is located in the North Carolina foothills and is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine lakes in the eastern United States. But eight years ago Braun spotted a bald eagle at Lake James and that caused him to reflect on the importance Lake James has as a natural resource. Without any background in leading a public campaign, Braun decided it was up to him to “save Lake James.” He began writing letters to the editor and circulating petitions. At times his campaign, which pitted him against corporate interests, was contentious and costly. His fight proved victorious, as he brought divergent and often opposing groups together to protect 9,000 acres of land around the lake.

2004 award in the category of Race Relations

Tony Foriest

Graham

Tony Foriest of Graham, the recipient of the 2004 Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for Race Relations, could have taken it easy after retiring from Xerox Corporation. Instead, he was troubled by the wide differences in achievement scores for white students and black students in his native Alamance County and set out to do something about it. He led in creating an organization called Closing the Gap, and as co-chair, he has provided the vision and energy to make it a vital and successful effort. Through a variety of initiatives, including tutoring programs and recognition ceremonies, Closing the Gap is well on its way toward achieving parity of student achievement scores. Foriest’s efforts to bridge racial and ethnic differences and build better understanding among all groups go beyond Closing the Gap, however. Involved in a broad range of civic groups, he is known as someone who works hard for unity, cooperation, and reconciliation.

2004 award in the category of Personal Service

Maria Pavón

Siler City

Maria Pavón of Siler City, who received the Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for Personal Service, is a survivor of domestic violence who turned that abuse, according to a friend, into “a miraculous story of hope.” She came to the U.S. from Mexico with an abusive husband and, in part because she was an illegal resident, was afraid to go to authorities about the violence. It was only after her young daughter insisted that she report the abuse that she had the courage to do so. That step began a healing process that led her to an organization in Siler City called the Coalition for Family Peace. Pavón’s inner strength and compassion impressed the staff at the coalition that they offered her a position counseling other Latino women. Pavón has become an inspiring leader of the Latino community, and because of her success in helping survivors of domestic violence locally, she has been sought after as a speaker and facilitator in other parts of North Carolina and beyond.