1987 Harris
Deborah Harris, through commitment and leadership skills, played an influential role in securing the Performing Arts Center of Charlotte. Harris helped to develop interest and enthusiasm in the community for the Performing Arts Center and lobbied in the General Assembly to acquire state funding of over nine million dollars for the project. Harris was often referred to as a “Super Volunteer” and it is easy to see why. Harris served as the president of the Charlotte Junior League in 1987 and helped to focus the Junior League’s involvement with the local needs of the community by fundraising for an adolescent drug treatment center and helping to provide programs for substance abuse. Harris was the Vice President of the Wake Forest Board of Vistors and served as a member of the Mecklenburg Medical Auxiliary Endowment Board of Advisors. Harris also held positions with the Charlotte’s Arts and Science Council and was involved in Alexander Children’s Center, The Drug Center ,North Carolina Museum of Art and Science Museums of Charlotte. Harris had been previously honored in 1980 with the Governor’s Volunteer Award and in 1981 with the N.C. Arts Education Association Award. Harris showed great concern for public education and helped to grow the cultural resources available the citizens of Charlotte.