Kim Sheeks, known in the community as the “Hat Lady,” received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest available award for service from the governor’s office.

Sheeks was nominated for the award by Dr. William Robertson for her work both as a former elementary school teacher as well as her outreach through various community organizations. The award is given to North Carolinians who have demonstrated years of service benefitting their communities and fellow citizens.

“A retired elementary classroom teacher of 30 years, she was known by everyone as “Miss Kim.” Her classroom environment is still legendary for its creative ideas, inspiring decorations, and invitational warmth. Many of her former students still greet or contact “Miss Kim” attesting to the impact she made upon her lives,” wrote Robertson in the nomination letter.

Robertson also pointed to other organizations and individual efforts through which Sheeks has worked to help the community, including through Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Society for Women Educators and the local and regional Civitan Club.

Robertson wrote multiple paragraphs about Sheeks’ work at Immanuel, where her husband Bruce Sheeks, who is also an Order of the Long Leaf Pine recipient, is the pastor.

“She does what she does for others because she wants these people to be successful in life. She wants to help people continue to improve their quality of life,” said Bruce Sheeks.

He included her service as lead soprano in the church choir, directing weddings, assisting in funeral preparations, directing summer Bible school and organizing youth programs and senior citizen group activities. The two have been at the church since June of 1981, said Bruce.

“From Christmas caroling and visitations at rest homes to attending graduations, concerts, and sports activities of churchgoers, Kim has done it all. She is well-known for the elaborate seasonal and thematic decorations she provides for events, such as the Golden Age banquet and family reunions. Also, Kim spearheaded the “Angel Tree” in which church members provide toys and clothes for needy families in the community,” wrote Robertson.

Sheeks is known as the Hat Lady for her show, where she puts on hundreds of hats that transform her into different characters and presents to children. Her transformations have included a fish-themed hat to tell the story of the “Rainbow Fish,” a story about how sharing can lead to happiness, or a camel mask to tell the story of the time a camel clamped down on one of her student’s heads at the Lazy 5 Ranch. She gave the student a leather camel at their high school graduation years later.

She has performed throughout North Carolina and other states, including shows in Williamsburg, Virginia and Baltimore.

He also wrote about her work with a “local couple who own a Chinese restaurant,” who Sheeks helped obtain their U.S. citizenship by helping prepare them for the citizenship testing. She also helped their children with free tutoring throughout their schooling.

Sheeks received the award on Sunday during a special church service held in her honor at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Bruce Sheeks presided over the service, and special guests included Alpha Delta Kappa’s Sacy Frick, Rockwell Civitan’s Chris Cranford, Granite Knitwear’s Shanna Matlock, The Red Hat Society’s Gloria Stiller and Immanuel Lutheran’s Fran Pepper. Robertson, who is also a retired educator, arranged special music for the service. Gary Faircloth, former CEO of the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, presented the award to Sheeks.

After receiving the award, Sheeks credited her creativity in the classroom and in every group she joins comes to her parents’ love of hard work, education and children.

If I tell you I’m going to show up, I’m going to show up, especially for the children. God gives us 24 hours a day and 2.4 of those hours should be in his service. And no excuses,” she said.

Robertson nominated Sheeks, and the request was supported by letters of recommendation from Faircloth, Happy’s Farm Director and Founder Rhonda Stirewalt Roseman and past Civitan Club District Governor Woody Weddington.