The New River Conservancy (NRC) staff is pleased to announce they have awarded Mike Horn the Wallace and Peggy Carroll Vigilance Lifetime Achievement Award. The Wallace and Peggy Carroll Vigilance Awards honor the spirit, dedication, and perseverance that former Winston-Salem Journal publisher and editor, Wallace Carroll, brought to the battle to save the New River.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes steadfast, continuous support of the River through years of active, unwavering vigilance. The award recognizes efforts that have resulted in any of the following: Victories in New River protection through advocacy; Sustaining financial support that enhances the mission of River protection; Continuous, committed efforts to bring attention to River issues and Service through volunteer participation and financial support.
Current Board Chair for NRC, Catherine Cotrupi, Ph.D. says “He [Mike] has been my go-to person, a mentor of sorts, when it comes to decisions big and small, as he has a unique viewpoint grounded in experience, expertise, and passion. He has truly dedicated a lifetime to the New.” Past Executive Director, George Santucci had a few words as well, saying “Mike has embodied over 50 years of dedication and service to the New River. From board rooms to elected officials offices, Mike brings grace, humility, and compassion for the New.”
NRC Executive Director, Andrew Downs, added “I have fallen short on the right words to say to Mike, however his contribution to the New River has been immense. Mike has my thanks for his guidance, kindness and brand of leadership that everyone (including myself) can learn from. He has my sincere thanks and admiration.”
Horn, the former longtime mayor of Lewisville, NC, says he “was there in 1976 and wrote the media release from the Izaak Walton League’s offices in Arlington, Virginia announcing President Ford’s signing at the White House” that effectively put a stop to the APCO dam construction and entered 26.5 miles of the New into the National Scenic Rivers Act.
In 2006, Mike was there with a group of very rugged southwest Virginia residents determined not to let construction of a prison near Cox’s Chapel “on a beautiful bluff overlooking Molly Shoals happen and took the fight to Richmond, not unlike the 1862 historic battle, except this time, the good guys won.”
Mike still has his first boat from the original New River Expedition when a “hardy ragtag gang of paddlers and canoeists traversed almost the entire river from the headwaters to the convergence in West Virginia…including portages. With the exception of George Santucci, not all of us paddled the entire river, but for me, 150+ miles is a pretty good paddle.”
Mike was part of the very creative group of folks who came up with the name New River Conservancy, transitioning from our founding moniker The National Committee for the New River. And, as did many of our previous boards and staff, Mike celebrated the long-sought after goal to become a true three-state organization.
Mike has worked alongside three executive directors, each bringing their own unique strengths to advance our cause and has had the privilege of knowing a staff unlike any other I’ve known for their commitment to the river.
Over the years through his association with the river and this organization he has met and sustained friendships with so many folks who share the love of this resource and played a role in protecting it, including the irrepressible Phil & Charlotte Hanes, well-deserved recipients of the Wallace Carroll Award.
Mike Horn says “Throughout 50+ years, this river and my life have intertwined bringing a fullness of purpose that few people will ever know. And of course, I will cherish dearly the hundreds of hours paddling, and those still to come, in my little kayak through the rapids, tranquil pools and magnificent beauty of our old friend.” He continues “Know that around every bend of the river, at the end of each rapid, in hidden coves of placid waters, you can experience the true joy of the river, meet a legion of wonderful and proud defenders of the New and I sincerely hope, find a bit more of your better self in the process.”
The New River Conservancy is a 501C(3) non- profit organization whose mission for over 50 years has been to protect the waters, woodlands and wildlife of the New River watershed. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please visit newriverconservancy.org
Photo: L-R Andrew Downs, ED of New River Conservancy, with Charlotte Hanes, longtime supporter and member of NRC, award Mike Horn the Lifetime Achievement Award.
