Finalists Named for Cary's Hometown Spirit Award

• This year's three Cary Hometown Spirit Award finalists include Matthew Gronke, Nancy Haywood, and Carla Michaels.
• The Cary Hometown Spirit Award finalists are nominated and selected by Cary citizens.
• The winner will be announced during a reception on Monday, November 17.

Cary, NC - Three Cary citizens have been selected as finalists for Cary's Hometown Spirit Award. The Hometown Spirit Award is bestowed annually on one Cary citizen who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting, and carrying out positive and quantifiable community values and traits. The 2025 Cary Hometown Spirit Award finalists are:

• Matthew Gronke has called Cary home since 1992, and he has spent those years making a lasting difference in his community. As founder of the Cary Free Bicycle Project, Matthew has given away more than 250 bicycles to local residents, helping people stay active and enjoy the joy of riding. He shares bicycles at events like the Cary Children's Day Festival and Carolina Cares Christmas, supporting families in need. Gronke also serves as treasurer and board member of Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, maintaining local trails, and volunteers at Laurel Park Elementary, where he is Vice President of Fundraising and the school mascot, "Lucky" the Penguin. Known to many children as "Bluey," he also volunteers as a costumed entertainer for Cary Library and nonprofit events. Whether advocating for improved bicycle infrastructure or volunteering his time, Matthew leads with energy, creativity, and heart, inspiring others to build a more connected and caring Cary.

• Nancy Haywood exemplifies the spirit of service above self. A devoted member of the Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club and sponsor of the Interact Club at Cary High School, Nancy mentors students in leadership and volunteerism and works on countless service projects. She has helped local nonprofits, including Mama Edna's Thrift Shop and the Habitat ReStore, by connecting volunteers and ensuring that families in need receive the support they need. From organizing food drives to assisting families in transition, Nancy leads with energy, kindness, and compassion. Her unwavering dedication and generosity strengthen Cary's community and serve as an inspiration to all who know her.

• Carla Michaels, a lifelong Cary resident, has deep roots in the town and a passion for preserving its rich history. As a board member of the Friends of the Page-Walker and a volunteer with Upchurch and Allied Families, Carla has spent countless hours uncovering, documenting, and sharing the stories of Cary's early residents. She leads historic walking tours - sometimes dressed as an early 1900s schoolteacher - and has been featured in town projects such as Cary at 150. Carla has been instrumental in preserving landmarks such as the Nancy Jones House and the Ivey-Ellington House, and in honoring overlooked veterans and historical figures. Through her leadership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, she advances education, patriotism, and community service. With warmth, generosity, and grace, Carla connects Cary's past to its present and ensures its story continues to inspire future generations.

Learn more about each of this year's finalists online and the Hometown Spirit Award at carync.gov/spirit.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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