Asheville, North Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein will present the North Carolina Award at the Omni Grove Park Inn, honoring six distinguished individuals for their contributions in various fields. This year’s ceremony marks the event’s first occurrence outside Raleigh and highlights the resilience of the western North Carolina community, with proceeds benefiting recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Among the honorees is Chef Ashleigh Shanti, recognized for her culinary achievements and contributions to the state’s cultural heritage.
Asheville, North Carolina – North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is set to present the prestigious North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at the Omni Grove Park Inn on Thursday, November 13, 2025. This marks the first time the award event will take place outside the state capital of Raleigh.
Six distinguished North Carolinians will be honored with the award for their outstanding contributions in various fields such as fine arts, literature, public service, and science. The ceremony reflects a commitment to recognizing those who positively impact the state’s culture and community.
Ticket sales from the event will contribute to a charitable effort, with proceeds going to the Community Foundation of North Carolina. This initiative aims to support recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the western North Carolina community in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The ceremony will not only spotlight the award recipients but also feature performances and exclusive offers for attendees, providing an enriching experience centered on the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
Established by the General Assembly in 1961, the North Carolina Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the state across several domains. This award is seen as a way to celebrate the legacy and ongoing achievements of North Carolinians who have influenced and shaped the cultural landscape.
Among the notable figures recognized this year is Chef Ashleigh Shanti, who has gained recognition through her work in the culinary field. Shanti, who operates a restaurant called Good Hot Fish in Asheville, was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award in the U.S. Foodways category for her cookbook, “Our South: Black Food Through My Lens.” This work serves as a personal exploration of the diverse communities that have influenced her culinary journey, merging traditional fish camp concepts with Black Appalachian and Southern cuisines.
The celebration of food as a storytelling medium resonates deeply in Shanti’s work. In her acceptance speech for the James Beard Award, she emphasized the importance of food stories during challenging times in the nation. Her dedication and unique contributions to the culinary arts highlight the significance of storytelling in the broader cultural context.
The North Carolina Award ceremony aims to not only honor remarkable individuals but also inspire a greater appreciation for the state’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Carolina Award?
The North Carolina Award is the state’s highest civilian honor awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in areas such as fine arts, literature, public service, and science.
When and where will the award ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.
How will proceeds from the ceremony be used?
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Community Foundation of North Carolina to support the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | November 13, 2025 |
| Location | Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC |
| Award Recipients | Six North Carolinians |
| Purpose of Ticket Sales | Support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts |
| Established | 1961 by the North Carolina General Assembly |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS News
- QC News
- Eater Carolinas
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Award
- Google Search: Asheville North Carolina news
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
