One of the #NYCTreegirls wins a national award

The Star
·3 min read
Carol Ann Hoard
Carol Ann Hoard

Shelby Presbyterian Church recently announced that its Minister of Christian Education and Families Carol Ann Hoard has been chosen as one of three 2024 national recipients of the Presbyterian Church Women of Faith Awards.

The Women of Faith Awards were established in 1986 to honor women members of the Presbyterian Church whose life exemplify their Christian commitments. This recognition from the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministry and Presbyterian Women honors ministers and lay women who have transformed the church and society through their witness, service and leadership. The theme for  2024 was “Women Leading Beyond the Parish.” The award was given on July 2, during the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Close friend Tisha Dedmon accompanied Carol Ann to the event.

Elizabeth Schweppe of  Shelby Presbyterian Church nominated Carol Ann for the award. Though ordained in the Baptist tradition, Carol Ann became Minister of Education and Families at Shelby Presbyterian Church in June, 2021. The nomination form included these phrases: “She loves big and is faithful to invest wholeheartedly in people. From the beginning she created connections between generations and between people who are outwardly different by welcoming anyone and everyone with open arms.”

In 2015, Carol Ann and Tisha were suffering the loss of a father and son, respectively. They both knew Christmas would be a sad time. In an effort to uplift their spirits during the holiday season, the two dressed head to toe in Christmas attire, and headed to New York City to see the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree. What began as a trip to bring themselves a little cheer, ended up bringing pure joy. The joy radiated from them to others. People began asking for selfies, smiling and offering kind words. The two returned home and have visited schools, nursing facilities, shut-ins and more during the Christmas season each year.

In 2022 a non-profit was created for the #NYCTreegirls who spread cheer to all who are near. People from all walks of life unknowingly experience the love of Jesus through interactions with the tree girls. They will kick off year 10 on Nov. 2 with a benefit for various Cleveland County non-profits in Fallston at Stamey Store and on Dec. 2, 2024 in New York City. The NYC Tree girls have appeared yearly on the Today show. Follow their adventures online through their website nyctreegirls.com.

The NYC Tree Girls, Carol Ann Hoard and Tisha Dedmon dance with Allie McArthur and spread joy outside of Ingles on highway 74 to help raise funds for the Salvation Army's red kettle campaign Wednesday afternoon. Hannah Dunaway/ The Star
The NYC Tree Girls, Carol Ann Hoard and Tisha Dedmon dance with Allie McArthur and spread joy outside of Ingles on highway 74 to help raise funds for the Salvation Army's red kettle campaign Wednesday afternoon. Hannah Dunaway/ The Star

In her acceptance speech, Carol Ann stated, “I am thankful for God’s blessings … I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award … Receiving this award is not just a recognition of my achievements, but a testament to the love, support and guidance I have received from my family and community. It is an honor to represent Shelby Presbyterian Church  and the NYCTreegirls."

Carol Ann recounted the charge found in the following Biblical verse as part of her acceptance speech:  Micah 6:8 “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: One of the #NYCTreegirls wins a national award