Honoring Seven Community Changemakers
The 7 over Seventy Awards honor 7 older adults who have made a significant impact on Forsyth County. Every year, the community is invited to submit nominations for consideration, which go through a thorough review process by the selection committee. Past honorees represent a wonderfully diverse swath of people who share one thing in common—a love for their community.
We are excited to introduce the new class of honorees! You can learn more about their stories and their impact on Forsyth County at the 10th annual 7 over Seventy Awards luncheon on August 21, 2025 at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness!
MEET THE HONOREES:
SANDRA PARKER ADAMS
“Sandra is a powerhouse dynamo and elevates the mood in the room wherever she goes.”
-Nominator Submission
After leading Summit School for nearly two decades, Sandra Adams has continued to pour her time and energy into community service, especially with older adults. She’s been a cornerstone of the Senior Services board and continues to champion education and connection at every age. A lifelong educator, Sandra hasn’t slowed down—she’s just shifted her classroom to the entire community.
GENE BLACKWELDER
“I don’t know of anyone else who spends more of their time and energy to actively come up with ways to help their community.”
-Nominator Submission
Gene Blackwelder is a servant leader in every sense. Whether that is professionally, from leading the Triad Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to his career with WXII, or through his involvement with community organizations, Gene brings humor, heart, and hustle to every cause he touches. No matter if he’s organizing charity events, building nonprofits, or coaching tennis, Gene shows us that service is a lifelong sport.
MARY ANN CAMPBELL DAVIS
“Mary Ann exemplifies a lifetime of service, leadership, and compassion…she goes above and beyond for her community.”
-Nominator Submission
Mary Ann Davis has dedicated her life to education and community care. A beloved teacher and mentor, she’s shaped students in public schools and at Salem College alike. In retirement, she still tutors math, writes beautiful calligraphy for Crisis Control Ministry, and champions early childhood education. Her energy is unstoppable, and her compassion leaves a lasting mark on everyone she meets.
BILL DAVIS
“Bill is a paragon of what it means to live a purposeful, community-driven life…through decades of professional excellence…and ongoing commitment to the well-being of his community.”
Bill Davis blends sharp legal acumen with a deep love for design and community building. After a successful career in law, he explored his creative passions through landscape architecture. This led to his second career, where he helped shape some of Winston-Salem’s most impactful civic projects through his work with the Creative Corridors Coalition and UNCSA. Bill’s legacy of thoughtful leadership and creativity has not only made an impact on the clients, colleagues, and students he has worked with but has left a lasting mark on the city, encouraging us to find ways for the ordinary to become extraordinary.
SUSAN FRYE
“Susan never stops working to better our community. She is an amazing example of what one can accomplish when you put your nose to the grindstone.”
-Nominator Submission
From her years leading the Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s office to her ongoing dedication to the community at large, Susan Frye has spent her life ensuring people are seen, supported, and given second chances. She has helped create enriching programs to support formerly incarcerated individuals, worked to provide resources for the Sheriff’s Department to implement community programs, and so much more!
PEGGY MOORE
“Peggy’s dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth sets a powerful example for younger generations, showing that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and serve others.”
-Nominator Submission
Peggy Moore has spent decades lifting up the arts and young minds in Winston-Salem. A lifelong supporter and leader at the Delta Arts Center, she’s brought national artists to the community, mentored youth, and built programs that make art accessible to all. Whether running programs, singing in the choir at St. Paul’s, or mentoring at the YMCA, Peggy shows up with heart, every time.
DAVID L. WEST
“David has dedicated his life to helping others learn new skills, make different choices, improve their surrounding, and value their remarkable stories.”
-Nominator Submission
David West is the quiet force behind some of the most impactful youth and neighborhood programs in Winston-Salem. From mentoring hundreds of youth to transforming the Boston-Thurmond neighborhood through public art, safe housing programs, and oral history projects, David leads with vision and humility. He’s proof that steady, caring leadership can change lives—and whole communities.
