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Surry-Yadkin Works was honored to present Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools, with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Governor Josh Stein during the annual Career Signing and Apprenticeship Recognition Program held on June 4, at Surry Community College.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to their communities and the state. Presented by the Governor of North Carolina, the award recognizes those whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of others and helped strengthen North Carolina through years of commitment and service. Dr. Reeves was recognized for his outstanding leadership and enduring contributions to education, workforce development, and the communities he has served throughout his distinguished career.

For more than three decades, Dr. Reeves has dedicated his career to advancing public education and expanding opportunities for students. During his tenure as Superintendent of Surry County Schools, he championed innovative partnerships that connected education with workforce development, helping students gain the skills, experiences, and industry connections needed to succeed after graduation.

Among his most significant accomplishments is the creation of Surry-Yadkin Works, a nationally recognized workforce development initiative that has transformed how students prepare for careers by connecting them with local employers through apprenticeships, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and hands-on learning experiences. His vision established a collaborative model that continues to strengthen the regional workforce while creating meaningful career pathways for students.

Dr. Reeves also led the development of the FLEET Program (Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades) in partnership with Altec, an innovative program that integrates education with real-world manufacturing experience. In addition, his leadership helped secure millions of dollars in grant funding for Surry-Yadkin Works and expanded opportunities that benefit students, employers, and the communities of Surry and Yadkin counties.

“Dr. Travis Reeves has dedicated his career to improving the lives of students, strengthening our communities, and advancing workforce development across North Carolina. His visionary leadership, commitment to service, and lasting impact on education and economic development make him highly deserving of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. His legacy will continue to benefit future generations for years to come,” said Dr. David Shockley, President of Surry Community College.

Beyond his work in education, Dr. Reeves has been a strong advocate for regional economic growth through his service on the Surry County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors. 

“His ability to bring together educators, business leaders, industry partners, and community organizations has helped establish Surry County as a model for workforce innovation. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is a fitting recognition of a lifetime dedicated to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. Surry-Yadkin Works is honored to celebrate Dr. Reeves' remarkable achievements and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor,” said Crystal Folger-Hawks, Surry-Yadkin Works Program Executive Director.

 

Additionally, during the Surry-Yadkin Works Job Signing Celebration, Dr. David Shockley, President of Surry Community College, Dr. Phillip Brown, Superintendent of Mount Airy City Schools, and Dr. Travis Reeves presented Crystal Folger-Hawks with a commemorative North Carolina-shaped plaque in recognition of her leadership and contributions to workforce development.

Surry-Yadkin Works is a Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship sponsor for Surry and Yadkin counties. By combining forces with Surry Community College, Surry-Yadkin Works is connecting workplaces to the classroom to prepare students for real-world careers.

For more information about Surry-Yadkin Works, contact Crystal Folger-Hawks, Surry-Yadkin Works Program Executive Director, at (336) 401-7820 or folger-hawksc@surry.edu or visit www.surryyadkinworks.org.

You can also follow Surry-Yadkin Works on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @surryyadkinworks and on X @SurYadWorks.