Community Leaders Receive the State’s Highest Award

Judge J. Calvin Hill and Darcel Grimes were the recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Judge J. Calvin Hill and Darcel Grimes.
Recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Judge J. Calvin Hill and Darcel Grimes. Photo: Renato Rotolo/The Urban News

Members of the Asheville community convened recently at the YMI Cultural Center to celebrate two of Asheville’s most exemplary citizens.

Darcel Grimes, former television anchor at WLOS-TV 13, and Chief Judge J. Calvin Hill both received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Darcel Grimes and Judge J. Calvin Hill have shown incredible dedication in their professional fields, making them much-deserving recipients of this outstanding recognition. The prestigious awards were presented by NC Attorney General (and Democratic gubernatorial nominee) Josh Stein, as the community celebrated the pair’s service and contributions to the greater Asheville community and the entire state.

Darcel Grimes noted: “When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a news reporter. I’ve had the opportunity to live out that dream—and this award is like the icing on the cake.”

Chief Judge J. Calvin Hill has made invaluable contributions to the legal justice system of Buncombe County and the community. His measure of success is noted among his peers and the greater citizenry by a strong sense of fairness, personal integrity, and rule of law.

Along with countless members of the western North Carolina region The Urban News is honored to congratulate both Darcel Grimes and Judge J. Calvin Hill on receiving this recognition from the governor.

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