Caldwell Musicians Showcase producer awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

May 14—Kay Crouch is the latest Caldwell County recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, according to a press release.

Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons presented the award to her at the 26th annual Caldwell Musicians Showcase. Crouch, along with her husband, Patrick Crouch, produced and performed in the first 25 showcases which have been presented annually since 1998, according to the press release.

Among the honors and awards the Governor of North Carolina can bestow, none is more valued than The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Since 1963, North Carolina's governors have reserved their highest honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. As an honoree, Crouch is now included on a roster maintained by the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, joining notable North Carolina musicians Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, and Charlie Daniels, along with other North Carolina luminaries including Maya Angelou, Andy Griffith, Michael Jordan, Billy Graham, Charles Kurault and Hugh Morton, according to the press release.

In presenting the award, Gibbons said, "I can't think of anyone who is more of an ambassador for our community than Kay Crouch."

Crouch's nomination was supported with letters written by her colleagues at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, board members of the Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention, the previous executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council, and several members of the Caldwell County community, according to the press release.

Crouch served as director of music at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute for 28 years and was recognized with emeritus status in 2023. During her tenure, she received the Donald Lackey Excellence in Teaching Award, the EM Dudley Award for service to the college and its students, two CCCTI Great Teacher Awards, and two Colleague of the Year Awards. In recent years, she also has received the LA Dysart Award and the Loving Lenoir Pinnacle Award. She has been recognized by the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce as a Tourism Ambassador, by the Hickory Music Factory with a Tribute Concert, and as Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Caldwell County, according to the press release.

As the newest member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, Crouch now has the privilege of proposing the North Carolina Toast:

"Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,

The summer land where the sun doth shine,

Where the weak grow strong, and the strong grow great,

Here's to 'down home," the old North State."