Cary Resident Wins Order of Long Leaf Pine

On Thursday May 22nd, both the NC House of Representatives and NC Senate recognized Duane Best of Cary, NC, formerly of Eden, for his nearly four decades of service to the state of North Carolina.  Mr. Best was also the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the prestigious award presented by the Governor to individuals who have an extraordinary record of service to the state.  Mr. Best is a recent inductee into the North Carolina Music Educators Hall of Fame. 

Mr. Best’s list of accomplishments include:  2011 Eden Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award; Rockingham County Habitat for Humanity Award; Richard Keasler Teacher of the Year Award; Church-Choir Director for 45 years; Auditorium at John Motley Morehead named the R. Duane Best Auditorium; and a scholarship named in his honor.

Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), Representative Rayne Brown (R-Davidson), Representative Bert Jones (R-Rockingham) and Representative Duane Hall (D-Wake) were in attendance for the recognition and presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.