Two couples and one individual have been selected as recipients of the Carter Browning Award for their work in Hickory Flat. Carter Browning was the principal of Hickory Flat Elementary for 24 years while his wife served at the same school as a media specialist.

The Brownings lived in a home next to the school and dedicated themselves to the community, according to a press release.

The awards recognize individuals both living and dead who exemplify the same service, dedication, care and compassion as the Brownings.

Ronnie Holbert, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, will get the Carter Browning award for his dedication to the education of Hickory Flat students and adults. Holbert is a retired Cherokee County high school teacher who serves as the volunteer coordinator of the GED program at Must Ministries. Holbert was also the previous chaplain of the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. 

While serving as chaplain, Holbert tutored more than 100 people, most of whom went on to pass the GED test.

Wayne and Ann Sims provide an “old school” field trip for third grade students at Hickory Flat Elementary.

The couple takes students on a tour their property, which includes a resurrected log school house, a teacher’s house, blacksmith’s shop and a general store.

Ann Sims dresses in period costumes for the tours.

Fred and Louise Haley met in fourth grade and were both raised in Hickory Flat. Although both are dead, they are remembered for founding Haley Farms.Fred was a World War II veteran who served as Hickory Flat PTA President after the war.

Award winners will be recognized at Antioch Christian Church on April 26 at 7 p.m.