School board chair Deena Hayes, retired teacher Stephen Lee and three more Guilford County residents received North Carolina's top service award Oct. 14. Who they are.

Five Guilford County residents were inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Wednesday, Oct. 14. It is the highest award for service the North Carolina governor’s office gives.

Gov. Josh Stein named 15 honorees in his announcement of the presentation. Most come from the Triad. “I am proud to honor them today for the lasting impact they have made across the Triad and throughout North Carolina,” Stein said.

The Guilford County honorees

The governor’s office listed these five from Guilford County:

  • Kevin Baker, executive director of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority
  • Judge Julianna Earp, a former special Superior Court judge for complex business cases on the North Carolina Business Court
  • Deena Hayes-Greene, Guilford County Board of Education member and co-founder and managing director of the Racial Equity Institute
  • Stephen Lee, a retired career and technical education teacher
  • Kelly A. Moore, director of forensic services for the Greensboro Police Department

A school board chair and a career-tech teacher

Guilford County Schools published its own account of the two honorees with district ties on Oct. 16. The district calls her Deena Hayes.

Hayes represents District 8 on the Board of Education. She has served on the board since 2002 and has chaired it since 2018. In 2019 the National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education gave her its Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award.

“A few guiding principles have always directed her leadership: fighting to raise teacher pay, close the achievement and opportunity gap, and keep students safe in schools,” Stein said at the event, according to the district.

Lee retired in July. For the past 20 years he taught career and technical education at Northern Middle, the district said. Before that he taught at several other Guilford County schools:

  • Bluford Elementary
  • Southwest Middle
  • Montlieu Academy of Technology
  • Guilford Middle
  • Jackson Middle
  • Dudley High

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology education from N.C. A&T State University. He earned National Board certification in career and technical education in 2010.

Lee taught courses in exploring technology, inventions, innovation, engineering and aviation. He uses his design and 3D printing skills to help students think creatively and solve problems, Stein said. “Many high school students graduate without knowing what their options are, but in Mr. Lee’s CTE classes, they can try out new skillsets and new career pathways,” he said.

“Both Chairperson Hayes and Mr. Lee have spent their careers in service to the students and families of Guilford County and have impacted countless lives for the better,” Superintendent Whitney Oakley said in the district’s announcement.

The other honorees

The governor’s list also included Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust President Lara Gerald and Forsyth County Elections Director Tim Tsujii. Rockingham Early College High School teacher Valencia Abbott, the 2025 Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year, was honored too.

What it means for you

  • The governor’s office takes nominations for its awards through its award request form.
  • Hayes is one of the Board of Education members setting policy for Guilford County Schools. Our public schools guide explains how the district and the board work.