Lifelong Educator & Community Leader
Barbara Hill Named Barwick 2026 Award Recipient
Morehead City, NC – Carteret Community College is proud to announce Barbara Hill as the recipient of the 2026 Barwick Award, one of the college’s highest honors recognizing outstanding community service and dedication to Carteret County.
A lifelong resident of Carteret County, Hill was born and raised in Morehead City and has dedicated her life to serving her community. A retired Carteret County public school teacher, she began her career in education in 1959 and has continued to mentor educators and support students long into her retirement.
Hill’s commitment to service spans more than 65 years and includes leadership in numerous civic, educational, and faith-based organizations. She is a longstanding member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Gamma Zeta Chapter, where she has served two terms as president and continues her involvement on the Fine Arts Committee. Her work has supported scholarships, educator advancement, and global initiatives, earning her both the Rose Award and the Golden Key Award, the organization’s highest honors.
She has also been deeply involved with the Carteret County Retired School Personnel, contributing to thousands of volunteer hours that benefit local schools and students. Hill is a past president and current leader within Les Vingt Femmes Club, an organization focused on service, scholarship, and civic engagement. She currently serves as the Youth Supervisor of the Les Vingt Femmes Girls Club, continuing her commitment to mentoring and empowering young women in the community.
Hill’s extensive civic service includes membership and leadership roles with the NAACP, Carteret County Council of Women, Salvation Army Auxiliary, Council on Aging, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She has served as a Precinct Judge for the Carteret County Board of Elections for many years and as a Guardian Ad Litem for the local court system.
A trailblazer in the community, Hill was the first Black female member of the Carteret General Hospital Board of Directors. She also contributed to Carteret Community College as its first off-campus GED instructor, helping expand access to education across the county.
Her community involvement extends even further. Hill served on the Morehead City Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee, helping commemorate the city’s 150th anniversary, and contributed to exhibits at the Carteret County History Museum highlighting local history and her church’s legacy. She has also been recognized as a community leader during Women’s History celebrations.
In partnership with community members, Hill helped organize the first Black 4-H club in the area, creating opportunities for youth to continue learning during the summer months. She has supported senior engagement through activities at the Leon Mann Center and previously participated as a cheerleader for the Carteret County Senior Olympic Games.
Her faith plays a central role in her service. Hill is a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church in Beaufort, where she serves as Chairperson of the Mother’s Board and has held numerous leadership roles supporting youth, education, and church programs. She is also a Grand Lecturer for the Order of the Eastern Star.
Hill remains an active member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee and continues to be a vital, respected leader in Carteret County.
The Barwick Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service and leadership. Barbara Horton Hill embodies the spirit of this award through her lifelong dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
For more information about the Barwick Award and Carteret Community College, visit carteret.edu.
