ECC Employee and Alumnus Receives President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Viola Harris

Volunteerism is not merely a pastime for Viola Harris. It’s ingrained in the life of this ECC employee, 24-year Edgecombe County commissioner and “woman of many hats.” It started when the Leggett native was just nine years old, and since that time, Harris has unceasingly pursued a life for the betterment of her community. That’s why she recently received the 2025 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Signed by former President Joe Biden, the award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to also take action.

Harris’ first action of volunteerism was in elementary school when she sat with an older lady. “Her husband worked at the school all day,” recalls Harris. On Friday and Saturday, he cut hair in the town of Speed. He had no one to sit with his wife, Mrs. Victoria. My mom said that I would do it, and I did.”

While her mom’s directives and benevolent attitude led to her daughter’s first volunteer efforts, this soon blossomed into Harris’ own pathway for service. After seeing her mother volunteer in the church and visit seniors in the nursing home, Harris has done the same and more.

For 55 years, the ECC graduate attended Salem Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Now, she is a member of Leggett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where her husband serves as the pastor.  For 24 years, Harris has been involved with the Ebonette Club of Tarboro. The club works to provide scholarships for high school seniors, with participants volunteering in schools and serving as mentors.

Harris has been a part of the Boys and Girls Club of the Tar River Region for 16 years, taught Sunday school for 35 years, and has worked with ECC for 14 years. Additionally, she volunteers with the North Edgecombe Alumni Association, reads at a different elementary school approximately four times a year, and serves on nine committees as an Edgecombe County commissioner.

However, Harris says her most impactful volunteer experience has been her time with the organization, Sisters with a Vision. Better known as SWAV, the group is comprised of 51 ladies from 15 different churches. They all found a way for Harris and others to continue their interests during COVID.

“We still met. We put chairs in the yard and formed a circle,” says Harris. “That helped me through the pandemic because throughout those years, we stayed active, keeping each other encouraged and still trying to do the work of the Lord.”

God is exactly who the first lady thanked when she received the 2025 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Awardees must have completed more than 4,000 hours of service within a 12-month period. Harris surpassed that with 4,500 hours. Recipients must also complete their service through a certifying organization. For Harris, that was the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation.

In addition to maintaining a full-time job, the wife, mother of three and grandmother of three understands that life can get hectic, but volunteering is worth it. She adds that your family can be a part of that too.

“It (volunteering) will light up your soul,” says a smiling Harris. “Start your children young. Do anything that you can do to help somebody, even an encouraging word. “