Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
WALLACE — As society becomes increasingly reliant upon the internet and the devices that connect to it, technology can seem inescapable. For most young Americans, it’s all they’ve ever known — born into an age of iPhones, smartwatches, Wi-Fi refrigerators and AI-generated content, many may never attempt to separate real life from the world behind their screens. The North Carolina Youth Outdoors Engagement Commission (NCYOEC) seeks to change that.
Since its creation in 2015 through legislation sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Dixon (R-Duplin, Wayne), the commission has worked to create opportunities for the state’s youth to put down their phones and experience life outside of their feeds and For You pages by helping them explore the great outdoors through hunting, fishing, archery, kayaking, horseback riding and more.
On May 6, the North Carolina Outdoors Foundation (NCOF), a nonprofit organization that supports the mission of the NCYOEC and youth outdoor learning efforts across the state, held its second annual North Carolina Youth Outdoors Invitational at River Landing. The event welcomed three new inductees into the North Carolina Outdoors Hall of Fame: Derick Close, Julian “Bubba” Rawl and Robert C. “Bob” Johnson. Additionally, the foundation recognized Representatives Kyle Hall (R-King) and Donny Lambeth (R-Winston-Salem), along with Senators Todd Johnson (R-Union) and Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), as Legislators of the Year for their dedication to the cause.
Wendell “Dell” Murphy Jr., chairman of the NYOEC, welcomed guests to the award ceremony at River Landing’s Grand Ballroom following a cocktail hour that allowed legislators, dignitaries, sponsors and honorees an opportunity to mingle while commission staff sold raffle tickets to raise funds for its mission.
“This foundation is special because its sole focus is to monetarily support youth outdoor education and recreational activities through the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission,” said Murphy.
“Anybody that knows me knows that one of my mottos when it comes to the youth is: The children are the future. I have a very heartfelt, strong belief that they deserve all the attention that we can possibly give them.”
Murphy thanked the legislators who have stood by the commission and board members for the NCOF and the NCYOEC, as well as the sponsors and donors who made the event possible.
“Every single penny’s important, but those major sponsors put us over the top,” Murphy said. “We greatly appreciate every single one of them.”
After a presentation detailing the commission’s programs and accomplishments, NCOF President Justin Burr, also the executive director of NCYOEC, expressed his gratitude for the support the commission has received since its establishment.
“We’ve impacted over 300,000 youth across this state, and the number’s really a lot higher than that,” Burr said. “We’ve awarded over 1,700 grants and almost $10 million. There’s only one reason that that has happened — only one — and that is the support of the General Assembly. Without their support, this program would be nonexistent — we would have impacted zero kids.”
Burr thanked all members of the North Carolina General Assembly in attendance for their assistance as the commission works to get kids outdoors before calling upon the Legislators of the Year to receive their awards.
“Just your presence here tonight tells everyone that you truly believe in our youth and the importance of getting them outside,” said Sen. Johnson as the legislative honorees each spoke; Lambeth was unable to attend.
NCYOEC Vice Chairman James “Jim” Harrell III introduced this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and recognized last year’s honorees present for the event. He advised those in attendance that Close, unable to attend due to the death of his mother-in-law, will be honored at next year’s invitational before Murphy introduced the night’s first Hall of Fame honoree, detailing Johnson’s altruistic achievements and his love for the outdoors.
“The mission statement at House of Raeford is ‘to do the right thing in all things we do.’ Bob, you are doing the right thing, and I’m so proud to call you up and to honor you in this way,” Murphy said.
Johnson expressed his appreciation for being selected for the honor and thanked his wife of 46 years, Luanne, for her steadfast support.
“To receive this award is amazing, but to receive it from a best friend is truly amazing,” Johnson said. “It’s really an honor. Thank you so much.”
NCYOEC commissioner Harry Shawl next introduced Rawl.
“Over his career, Bubba has been a champion of youth development and outdoor education, which is true to what we’re doing here,” Shawl said. “He truly believes in giving back and shaping the next generation.”
Rawl said the outdoors can enrich all, especially young people, in ways modern technology can’t.
“I think the ability to enjoy God’s creation is what we’re all here for,” said Rawl. “Nintendo, I don’t think, is where we were intended to be. I’m delighted to be honored here tonight.”
Attendees had an opportunity to further contribute to the foundation through a live auction that featured donated lots ranging from turkey hunts and fly-fishing trips to beach vacation stays and pearl chain necklaces following the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
