Honorariums

Nags Head's Board of Commissioners recognizes individuals who have made important contributions to the town through their Nags Head Lightkeeper and Nags Header awards.

Lightkeeper and/or Nags Header awardees will be recognized at the regular June Board of Commissioners meeting which is the Town's Anniversary month. The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to make no award in any given year. 

Any current or former Town of Nags Head resident may place names into nomination.

Completed nomination forms must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office on or before April 15th. 

Please use the Docusign links below if you know of an individual who should be recognized for their contributions to Nags Head. 

Nominate a Lightkeeper        Nominate a Nags Header    

Please call the Town Clerk at 252-441-5508 or email Town Clerk's Office with any questions. 

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nags Head Lightkeepers Nags Header
2000 - 2001 Carl Nunemaker
2001 - 2002 Donald Bryan
2002 - 2003 Mike Kelly
2003 - 2004 David Oaksmith
2004 - 2005 Drew Wilson
2005 - 2006 Russell Twiford
2007 - 2008 Lillie Daniels "Doll" Gray
2008 - 2009 Glen Eure
2009 - 2010 John Harris
2011 - 2012 Doris Gard
2016 - 2017 Tom White
2021 - 2022 John Ratzenberger
2021 - 2022 Annette Ratzenberger
2022 - 2023 Sandra Austin
2023 - 2024 Robert W. "Bob" Muller
2024 - 2025 J. Webb Fuller
 2005 Nellie Myrtle Midgette Pridgen
2005 George Stonewall Crocker
2013 Alvin S Hibbs
2016 Martin Kellogg
2023 Richard "Dick" and Jo Fessler
2024 Lillie Daniels "Doll" Gray
2025 Bruce M Bortz
  1. Nags Head Lightkeeper Criteria
  2. Nags Header Award Criteria

This award was developed to honor persons who have shaped the image and direction of Nags Head, making significant contributions to the Town through their time, actions, talents, and dedication.

Nominees shall be outstanding individuals who have been involved in community service such as boards, commissions, task forces, agencies, volunteer organizations or community groups (formal and informal, of all kinds) and shall have demonstrated a sustained commitment to our community.

Nominees shall be perceived by the citizens of Nags Head as leaders.

The nominees may have been active in local, county, or state government.  Nominees may have served to influence decision-making on issues and may demonstrate, through their civic involvement, how the quality of life in their community has been enhanced. 

Nominees may also have been engaged in the arts or commerce in such a way that they have elevated the profile of Nags Head. Or they may have been involved in the development of events (festivals, parades, shows, etc.) which celebrate the town.

Judging Criteria

•    The degree to which their services/actions have made a lasting or meaningful contribution or impact on the Town - 40%

•    The length and degree of their service(s) – 20%

•    The extent to which their service or action might be considered exemplary or “above and beyond the call of duty” – 20%

•    The extent to which their action would be recognized and valued by their peers and other community leaders – 20%