West Wake News

CARY, N.C. – Three Cary citizens have been selected as finalists for Cary’s Hometown Spirit Award. The Hometown Spirit Award is bestowed annually on one Cary citizen who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting, and carrying out positive and quantifiable, traditional small-town community values and traits. The 2023 Cary Hometown Spirit Award finalists are:

• Kara Daniels Hand, a dedicated Cary citizen, actively promotes community engagement and traditions, notably through her impactful initiatives at the First United Methodist Church, raising funds for local food banks. With a decade-long commitment to Cary Elementary as the Teacher Appreciation Chair, she fosters connections in the community. As a lifelong Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient, Hand mentors future leaders through her troop leadership, emphasizing the importance of community service. Additionally, her law practice provides essential legal services, contributing to the well-being of individuals and the community at large.
• Peggy Van Scoyoc, a cherished Cary historian, has dedicated over 24 years to collecting and sharing oral histories, recently reaching a milestone of her 100th oral history. Through her books and active involvement with the Friends of the Page-Walker, she promotes Cary's heritage and small-town spirit, fostering a sense of community through speaking engagements and events like Herbfest. Van Scoyoc shares Cary's rich history via blogs, social media, and the Friends' newsletter, maintaining a legacy of Cary’s rich history.
• Frank B. Yarborough, a well-known figure in Cary, exemplifies hospitality and community service, readily extending his assistance to those in need. Known as Coach Frank in the Miracle League of the Triangle, he has coached for over 25 seasons. Yarborough's commitment to preserving Cary's heritage is evident through the restoration of his grandfather's historic house on South Academy Street, where he enthusiastically shares his family's history and engages with the local community. His company, AVCON, has provided employment opportunities and exceptional services to companies within and beyond the Triangle area since 1997.