UNC Pembroke senior Kamren Lewis has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the John H. Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award.

North Carolina Campus Engagement has presented the award annually since 2011. The award is given to one college student in the state who “demonstrates innovation in civic engagement, works to integrate their service into campus structures, inspires others to serve, and makes a meaningful impact on campus or in the community.”

Lewis was honored during a virtual awards ceremony on Nov. 18.

Lewis, a social work major, is truly a trailblazer whose efforts will leave a legacy. During the second semester of his freshman year, he began mentoring middle schoolers through the Office of Community and Civic Engagement. This experience resulted in him helping to create the Brave Foundations Mentoring Program which allows UNCP students to mentor youth in two public housing communities each week in partnership with the Lumberton Housing Authority and the Pembroke Housing Authority.

Lewis developed, implemented, recruited volunteers, and helped design the curriculum, which includes social activities and life skills. The program also allowed Lewis to become an intern with the Lumberton Housing Authority.

Other additions to his resume include serving as a senior student service leader on the UNCP campus, and a student leader at Hawk Camp.

 One of his nominators for the award, Associate Director for Service-Learning Evan Long spoke highly of Lewis.

“If you ask any of his peers or colleagues, they will all tell you that Kamren is one of the most hard-working and dependable people they know. He rarely misses a Day of Service or an opportunity to serve others,” Long said in a press release. “He is committed to advocating and being a champion for others to ensure they have the resources they need to achieve their own goals successfully. Kamren is a role model and a mentor and has made a significant impact on the lives of others during his time at UNCP. His legacy will continue through his efforts to engage others in service and his vision to create a mentoring program that has left a lasting impact.” 

Lewis will also be recognized during the NCCE Presidents Forum on February 15, 2023, hosted at High Point University. The virtual ceremony hosted on Nov. 18 can be viewed online here:  https://youtu.be/ntxh4bSQaUc/