Royal Starfish Award (Beach Preservationist of the Year)

Presented by Oak Island Beach Preservation Society annually at Fundraiser. Recipient is a secret until then.
Award represents the previous full year and prior contributions.

2000 / Dara Royal - Originated idea for BPS and started Trust Fund

2001 / Joan Altman - Mayor who facilitated BPS/Fund formation              

2002 / Pat Bruning - Early leadership in BPS projects

2003 / Jim and Muriel Nelson - Sustained leadership in BPS

2004 / Mike McIntyre - NC legislator, facilitated coastal protection

2005 / Larry Parker - Sustained leadership in BPS

2006 / Harry Simmons - Leadership of Brunswick Beaches Consortium

2007 / David Nash - Cooperative Extension, author of Dune Book

2008 / Betty Wallace - Mayor, DVD Videographer, facilitated BPS activities

2009 / Linda Johnson - First Sea Turtle Program leader

2010 / Mary Ellen Rogers - Sea Biscuit, wildlife rescue and education

2011 / Mary Payne - BPS Treasurer, parade coordinator, 10 yrs Board

2012 / Rosanne Fortner - Sustained BPS leadership, 10 years

2013 / John Michaux - Public Works Director, beach projects

2014 / Wendy Hicks - Sustained BPS leadership, 10 years

2015 / Cook Family, Island Way - Hosts for fundraiser, 10+ years

2016 / George Napier - Public Works Director, BPS project assistance

2017 / James W. “Skip” Cox - Leadership, Oak Island Beach Ambassadors

2018 / Diane Butzin - Decade of service: Secretary, Organizer, etc.

2018 / Billie Letendre - Decade of service: Newsletter, Fundraiser food, editing, etc.

2019 / Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program - Monitoring and assisting sea turtle reproductive success  on Oak Island: 172 nests, 11,000 hatch

2020 /

2021 /

2022 /

2023 / Rosanne Fortner - Chair/Co-Chair 12 years

2024 / LeeAnn Lyon - Adopt-a-Beach, Bike Racks & Amenities leader