Dr. Joseph T. Barwick
Volunteer Civic Award

2025 Recipient – Mary Duane Hale

Carteret Community College is proud to announce Mary Duane Hale as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Joseph T. Barwick Volunteer Civic Award. This prestigious honor recognizes an outstanding Carteret County resident whose dedication to volunteerism has made a lasting impact on the community.

Named in honor of former Carteret CC President Dr. Joseph T. Barwick, the award has been presented annually since 2010 to individuals who exemplify a strong commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. Past recipients include Joan E. Lamson, Rodney B. Kemp, the Big Rock Charity Committee, and Kurt Rogerson, among other notable community leaders.

Mary Duane Hale’s service to Carteret County spans decades, impacting countless lives through her leadership, generosity, and tireless volunteerism. A longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort, she has served in nearly every leadership capacity, including multiple terms on the vestry, as senior warden, and as the volunteer business administrator—stepping in during a critical time to keep the church’s operations running smoothly. Her commitment to stewardship has ensured the church’s outreach efforts continue to thrive, directing thousands of dollars in support to local nonprofits and those in need.

Beyond her work with St. Paul’s, Hale has held key leadership roles with the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, serving as a trustee, co-chair of the transition committee, and president and treasurer of the diocesan Episcopal Churchwomen. She has also made an impact in the broader community through her past presidency of the Carteret County Association of Realtors and as a leader in the Colonial Dames of America, where she recently completed a two-year term as president of the local committee and currently serves on the state Board of Managers.

Her dedication extends beyond organizational leadership to personal acts of kindness, including providing daily care and support for a 91-year-old parishioner. Whether leading major fundraising efforts, coordinating volunteers, or ensuring the smooth operation of community programs, Hale’s service embodies the spirit of the Barwick Award.

“Mary Duane Hale is the very best representative of the spirit of the Barwick Award,” said Melodie Darden, chair of the Carteret CC Board of Trustees.  “Her varied contributions to her church and community have had a positive impact on many for years.  Her nominators also emphasized her selflessness, saying her actions were often unseen except by those whose lives she touched. We are honored to present her with this award.”

Hale’s contributions reflect the very essence of the Dr. Joseph T. Barwick Volunteer Civic Award—selfless service, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to making Carteret County a better place. Carteret Community College is honored to recognize her with this distinguished award.

The Barwick Award will be formally presented at the College’s annual Award’s Night on May 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Crystal Coast Civic Center. For more information about the award and past recipients, visit www.carteret.edu/barwick.