Pender County Department of Social Services held a "sports spectacular" to celebrate its 27th year of Awards & Recognition of its outstanding team of players.  The event was held at the Pender High School Gynasium on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2009. The opening act was a routine performed by the fabulous Pender High School Cheerleaders.  Additionally, all children under the age of 13 years participated in a "basketball shoot-out".  Those little tykes can really handle a basketball. 

Awards were presented as follows:  NCSSA MEMBER OF THE YEAR, Lateshia Nixon and Clerical Support Staff, Bernadette Keith.  This year marked the first time in more than 26 years that 2 staff tied in the race to win Caseworker of the Year.  The lucky ladies who captured the title are Susan Lana and Katie Johnson.  James Sutton was named Social Worker of the Year.  Samantha Nixon was chosen Supervisor of the Year.  The most coveted award of all is Employee of the Year and Candace Williams, Medicaid Case-worker won hands down!

Each year DSS employees and their families enjoy fine food, fellowship and great entertainment at the annual awards event.  The program provides time together for the agency to relish its accomplishments.  DSS Attorney, Tonya Turner, served as Moderator for the evening.  Pender County Manager, Rick Benton, DSS Board Chairman, Rev. Elberta Hudson, and past DSS Board Chairman, Joe McGlohon, were all on hand to help DSS celebrate and successfully close out the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year.