Patsy Burgess presented Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

Superintendent Dr. Myra Cox made a special announcement during the Elkin City School’s Retirement dinner. Someone in our presence has been awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, created in 1964, is an honor that can be granted in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2021, it was believed the Order had been awarded to more than 21,000 people. We are so happy to announce the recipient is our very own Patsy Burgess. Mrs. Burgess was a Business and Information Technology Education Teacher from 1984-2009. She was the Lead instructor in Career Technical Education and Technology. Her instructional schedule began with keyboarding early in her career and progressed to web design and multimedia then to advanced/computer courses in Small Business/Entrepreneurship and Business Management as well as honors courses in E-commerce and Computer Applications.

In 2009 she became a Career Development Coordinator where she will remain until her retirement in June. As CDC, her role is to support Career and Technical Education along with academic areas through the coordination of career development services for all high school students. She works collaboratively with administrators, student services personnel, and teachers to ensure the delivery of career development services. She also facilitates linkages with parents, business/industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations to support students’ transition to postsecondary education and employment. Mrs. Burgess has a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Middle & Secondary grades and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Marketing major. She received National Board Certification in 2001. She also has a Global Career Development Facilitator Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist Certification and Certiport.

She has been actively involved in School Leadership as Youth Leadership Surry Adviser, Youth Entrepreneurship Surry Advocate, Mentor Teacher, Business Advisory Council , Work Keys Coordinator, School Improvement Team chair, Career Technical Education Department chair, Future Business Leaders of America Adviser, Future Business Leaders of America, NC Board of Directors and Beta Club Adviser. She was named Elkin City Schools Teacher of the Year in 2001 and Elkin High School Teacher of the Year, 1995, 2000 and Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Excellence Award 2010 and Elkin Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator Award, 1986. Patsy is a member of Gamma Psi Chapter of the NC Delta Kappa Gamma and Delta Kappa Gamma International, a Board Member for The Ark of Elkin, and a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, where she serves as Adult Sunday School Teacher and Organist.

Submitted by: Sharon Harvey, Gamma Psi, Region IX

Patsy Burgess