On December 12th, Carolyn Grantham Ennis received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tremendous contributions to the people of Johnston County.

The LAMPLIGHTER Awards created by WNNL, the Light 103.9 FM and presented by McDonald’s and Wal-Mart, were designed to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that are lighting the path for others through EXTRA ORDINARY volunteerism, community service, outreach, academics, preserving human rights, positive change for senior citizens, prevention programs, music ministry, and health and well being of people. The nomination essay must have included specific examples of the nominee’s contributions in the chosen category. Finalists were nominated by citizens throughout The Light 103.9 listening area and judged by a committee of five or more people.

Mrs. Ennis was nominated by her former students, Maurice Atkinson, Ruth Atkinson, and Malcolm Howard. The nomination essay included specific examples of her service in the community such as her volunteer efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of Selma, the establishment of the alumni hall for Johnston Central High School, and her work promoting the employees and students of Johnston County Schools. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community involvement through volunteerism and community service to uplift youth and adults.

The awards ceremony was held at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Meymandi Hall, Raleigh, NC on Saturday, December 12, 2009, with a capacity audience of nominees and guests in attendance.

Entertainers, who also served as presenters of awards, included top names in the Gospel music industry: Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Martha Munizzi, Darwin Hobbs, Brian C. Wilson, Marshetta Parker, Gerald Hinton and Co-Co McMillan. Program Director Jerry Smith and Melissa Wade served as Emcees.