Nine people receive NCHSAA Special Person Awards

The N.C. High School Athletic Association recognized nine people from across the state with its 2026 Special Person Awards during regional meetings held over the past two weeks.

The award recognizes individuals whose service and contributions have made a meaningful impact on the NCHSAA, its member schools and education-based athletics.

This year’s recipients include athletic directors, coaches, administrators, officials, medical professionals and others who have devoted years to supporting high school sports in North Carolina.

Region 1: J.J. McLamb, East Carolina University

East Carolina University Executive Associate Athletic Director J.J. McLamb was selected as the Region 1 recipient.

McLamb has spent more than two decades at ECU and has played an important role in the university’s longtime partnership with the NCHSAA to host the Eastern Regional Basketball Championships.

Region 2: Leslie Reeves, West Brunswick High School

West Brunswick High School athletic director Leslie Reeves received the Region 2 award.

Reeves has spent her career at West Brunswick as a teacher, coach and administrator, supporting student-athletes while also contributing to athletic administration at both the local and statewide levels.

Region 3: Lewis Newman, Orange County Schools

Retired Orange County Schools district athletic director Lewis Newman was one of two Region 3 recipients.

Newman brought a background in military service and medicine into education and later held leadership roles at Grimsley and Chapel Hill before finishing his career as district athletic director for Orange County Schools.

Region 3: Dr. Josh Bloom, NCHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

Dr. Josh Bloom was also recognized in Region 3.

Bloom has served on the NCHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for 21 years, helping develop health and safety policies designed to protect student-athletes across North Carolina.

Region 4: John Buchholz, Pinecrest High School

Pinecrest High School’s John Buchholz received the Region 4 award.

Buchholz has spent more than five decades working in education and athletics in the Sandhills. He has also served as an NCHSAA Regional Director for more than 60 events and as a State Championship Director for more than 40 events.

Region 5: Rodney King, North Stokes High School

North Stokes High School athletic director Rodney King was selected as the Region 5 recipient.

King has spent 26 years as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator and has also provided extensive service to NCHSAA cross country and track and field championship events.

Region 6: Stephen Jacobs, Regional Supervisor

Longtime NCHSAA football official Stephen Jacobs received the Region 6 award.

Jacobs has served as an officiating leader in North Carolina and helped organize the first statewide football officiating clinic in 2026. He currently serves as the Regional Supervisor for the Metrolina Region.

Region 7: Rodney Pell, retired tennis coach

Retired Mount Airy High School tennis coach Rodney Pell was honored in Region 7.

Pell has continued serving high school athletics for years after his coaching career through his work as a Regional and State Director for NCHSAA tennis championships.

Region 8: Tammy Dills, Hayesville High School

Hayesville High School’s Tammy Dills received the Region 8 award.

Dills has spent more than three decades working in physical education and youth athletics as a coach, administrator and community sports leader. The NCHSAA also recognized her advocacy for education-based athletics in western North Carolina.

The Special Person Awards were among several honors presented during this year’s NCHSAA regional meetings. The association also recognized recipients of the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Awards, Wells Fargo Conference Cups and schools that went ejection-free during the 2025-26 school year.