Greensboro, NC – Darrell Pennell of the Caldwell County Board of Education is the 2024-2025 recipient of the Raleigh Dingman Award for Outstanding Boardsmanship. The Raleigh Dingman Award is the highest honor bestowed on a North Carolina school board member.“
Darrell Pennell has made an inspiring and profound influence on public education that is worthwhile of special recognition,” said North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) Executive Director Leanne Winner. “His dedication to serving his community and our state through school district leadership will shape bright futures for countless students.”
A number of factors were considered in honoring Pennell with the award, including his 14 years of service on the Caldwell County Board of Education and background as a history and social studies teacher as well as being a coach. His leadership in local public education is illustrated by seven terms as board chair with Caldwell County Schools, and he has a total of almost 50 years serving his local public schools. Pennell also previously led the NCSBA as president and currently serves as immediate past president of the statewide organization.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Raleigh Dingman, the association’s first full-time executive director, and was first presented at the 1981 annual conference. In 2002 legislation was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly that provides for the Raleigh Dingman Award winner to serve as an ex officio advisor to the state board of education and to attend meetings and participate in deliberations of the state board. Pennell will serve in this capacity through the association’s next Annual Conference in November 2025.
