ROCKINGHAM — Samaritan Colony Executive Director Harold Pearson, who recently announced his intention to retire at the end of this year, was selected by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to receive The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award.
Former North Carolina state senator Gene McLaurin made the award presentation yesterday at Samaritan Colony’s December board of directors meeting. He shared his thoughts on Harold Pearson receiving this most prestigious award.
“G.R.Kindley, Phil Ford, and I are pleased to represent North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper today. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award can only be given to an individual by the Governor of our state and is given for exemplary service and significant contributions to one’s community and state. Harold Pearson has led Samaritan Colony for 41 years. During that time, he and his staff have helped change thousands of lives of individuals and their families through treatment services for addiction. Harold’s unselfishness, devotion, and compassion for his fellow man have earned him the admiration and respect of many throughout our community and state. On behalf of Governor Cooper, we proudly present The Order of The Long Leaf Pine award to Harold Pearson.”
Before yesterday’s presentation, Harold Pearson was unaware he had been selected for the highest civilian award that can be bestowed in North Carolina.
His words reflect his sentiment.
“This honor comes as a total surprise. I am grateful for the people who made this facility possible before my arrival here in February of 1981 as a client. What has happened since then is my attempt in a humble manner to provide for others what was freely given to me. My thanks go to the people who made this recognition possible.”
Since 1975, Samaritan Colony has been delivering drug and alcohol rehabilitation services for men, providing residential treatment and aftercare counseling services for the underserved communities across the Sandhills. Celebrating its 47th year of service, The Colony’s programs include family counseling programs and deliver an integrated and holistic approach for individuals and their families, wherever they may be on their recovery journey. The organization’s mission is expanding as site development of the SECU Women’s Recovery Center began on their 25-acre campus in Richmond County earlier this fall.
Social service agencies, the court system, churches, and schools rely on Samaritan Colony for collaboration and outreach services because of The Colony’s commitment to educating the community and providing hope that recovery is possible.
