The Wake Forest Rotary Club presented the 17th Annual State of the Town Address & Dinner on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre.
CBS 17 News Anchor Angela Taylor served as the evening's emcee.
During a special part of the program, Wake Forest Rotary Club President Mark Scarbrough announced Bob McCamy as this year's recipient of the Vivian A. Jones Rotary Peace Award. McCamy was unable to attend this year's State of the Town, so Scarbrough presented the award to McCamy's daughter, Charlotte Shaughnessy.
Just prior to introducing Wake Forest Mayor Ben Clapsaddle, Taylor introduced a new video, "Wake Forest State of the Arts."
During his address, Mayor Clapsaddle noted an impressive list of accomplishments in 2025 consistent with the evening's theme, "We Move Forward Together."
Full Text of 2026 State of the Town Address
Good evening, friends…its good to see everyone.
I’ll admit - it’s a little intimidating being on this side of the podium.
As I prepared for tonight, I kept thinking how Wake Forest is a Team of Teams - and to achieve the Vision of a Vibrant Diverse and welcoming Community… requires all of us working together.
Many of you know I’m the son of a proud Korean mother… and an American Soldier.
My mother left her family and her homeland to come to America so her children could have the kind of opportunities only our country can offer.
Because of her courage, I grew up shaped by both Korean and American culture.
Being the Son of a Soldier…. shaped my values, my sense of duty, and my commitment to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
When I served as a Strategic Planner with the 3rd Republic of Korea Army, they taught me a simple but powerful phrase: Katchi Gapsida - That we are stronger when “We Move Forward Together.”
Because progress doesn’t happen by accident - and in Wake Forest, it doesn’t happen alone.
It happens when neighbors, , civic groups, faith communities, veterans’ organizations, community partners and Town Staff work toward a shared purpose.
It’s who we are here in Wake Forest.
And tonight, I want to center our time together around those words.
First I need to say a few Thank you’s
Thank you to the Wake Forest Cougar Battalion Color Guard. They were off school today and gave up their time to honor our us and our Nation tonight.
Thank you to Reverend Troyer for leading us in prayer and the invocation.
Thank you to Cannon Catering for the wonderful meal.
Thank you to the Renaissance Centre Staff and Volunteers for hosting us tonight.
Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Angela Taylor - may seem like herding cats…but you kept us organized and on track.
And thank you to the Wake Forest Rotary Club for Sponsoring Tonight…Your service and leadership truly make a difference.
One of the clearest examples of moving forward together is the work of our Faith Communities and nonprofit partners. A few examples:
Last year, Wake Forest Presbyterian Church’s Backpack Buddies program provided weekend meals to more than 60 students in three of our Wake Forest schools.
And Their Giving Garden distributed over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to families in need.
The Wake Forest Baptist Church’s Community Connections Garden provided fresh produce while also building relationships and strengthening our community.
The Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry distributed thousands of pounds of food to families, ensuring they had access to nutritious meals.
The Wake Forest Rotary Club’s Medical Debt Relief initiative helped eliminate medical debt for local families — restoring dignity and offering hope when it was needed most.
And for nearly 40 years, the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club has helped young people discover their potential, build confidence, and grow into caring members of our community. On June 11th we will celebrate their 40th anniversary…
These stories are not rare exceptions.
They are the quiet, steady work of neighbors caring for neighbors.
They reflect who we are… and how we Love our Neighbor as Ourselves.
And when a community lives that way - when neighbors show up for one another - something powerful happens.
We don’t just serve each other. We celebrate together. We are blessed with a strong and engaged community life.
Events like Good Neighbor Day, Friday Night on White, the Wake Forest Pride Festival, the Diwali Festival, Cars and Carnivores, and the Holiday Tree Lighting reflect the welcoming spirit of our Town.
Behind every one of these events is a Team - working together…to connect neighbors, celebrate cultures, support local businesses, and build community pride.
None of what we celebrate tonight happens without our Town Staff and Volunteers.
Across every department, our Team of Teams serves Wake Forest with professionalism, care, and a strong sense of responsibility.
They lead regional efforts in food security.
They earn state and national recognition in budgeting, planning, and power.
And they ensure every visitor to Town Hall feels welcome.
Last year alone:
Over 20,000 inspections were completed with a 99.2% next-day service rate. I don’t do public math…but that is a lot
Our Police Department serves beyond the badge — through Shop with a Cop, the Turkey Drive, Special Olympics fundraising, and countless everyday acts of compassion that often go unseen but make a real difference in people’s lives.
Our Fire Department Provides CPR and first aid training across our community, They hosted their 49th Annual Fish Fry to raise funds for local charities and partners, They support the Masonic Orphanage in Oxford, and Their Honor Guard participates in our Veterans flag-raising ceremonies
Like any growing town, we face challenges - growth, infrastructure, and … whether or not Trader Joe’s is ever coming.
And Meeting those challenges requires planning, flexibility, and Teamwork.
If you want to understand that Teamwork firsthand, I encourage you to take part in Citizens Academy or Planning 101. It is taught by the people who do the work.
Before I go further…I need to give you an example of how Our Town Staff makes Wake Forest a place we are all proud to call home.
Each month, from April through October, our Town staff, alongside our veterans’ organizations and community partners conduct a simple but powerful flag-raising ceremony to honor a deceased Wake Forest Veteran and their family.
We are one of only two communities in North Carolina that does this every month.
As a Veteran…and on behalf of all our Veteran…thank you.
And When I think about all that we do to recognize our Veterans, one name comes to mind - Rich Heroux.
From helping establish the Wake Forest Flag Raising ceremonies…to the Annual Purple Heart Dinner,,,to serving as Master of Ceremonies on Memorial and Veterans Days, Rich ensures the sacrifices of our Veterans will never forgotten.
Thank you, Brother.
If you are a Veteran….Please Stand…. Let’s show our appreciation.
The strength of any town isn’t found in our buildings or budgets. It’s found in our people.
People who show up every day. People who care. People who serve quietly, consistently, and with integrity.
Each year, we recognize an outstanding member of our Town Staff.
This year’s recipient is described as
Someone with an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity…
* Someone who listens.
* Someone who understands.
* Someone who makes others feel valued and supported.
Tonight, it is my honor to recognize our 2025 Town of Wake Forest Employee of the Year…Allison Luvisi.
Allison serves as a Human Resources Consultant and has been with our Town for 6 years.
It is my privilege to present her with the First Mayor’s Coin for Excellence. This coin represents service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the people of Wake Forest.
Allison - thank you for everything you do for our Town.
Public service doesn’t only happen inside Town Hall.
It happens in neighborhoods. In churches. In civic groups. In quiet acts of generosity that rarely make headlines.
Each year, we recognize individuals and organizations who reflect the very best of our community.
They are neighbors who step forward. Leaders who give their time. Volunteers who see a need and act.
Please join me in congratulating The 2025
Citizen of the Year: Ann Welton
Organization of the Year: Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Committee
Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award: Karen Diebolt
Good Neighbors of the Year: Bailey Formy-Duval and Markie Hayes
Guest Services Volunteer of the Year: Fran Wagner
These honorees reflect the Servant Heart of Wake Forest.
And they remind us that strong communities are built by people who choose to give back.
As Wake Forest grows - and it will - so must the voices that help shape it.
Our seniors and our youth are the fastest-growing groups in our Town.
And They deserve more than services. They deserve a voice. They deserve a seat at the table.
That’s why I am asking the Board of Commissioners to reestablish the Senior Advisory Board and the Youth Advisory Board.
We must ensure their perspectives help guide decisions about transportation, recreation, communication, health, and our future.
Tonight, I am also proud to announce that under the leadership of our Community Outreach Manager, Drew Brown, Wake Forest will host a Food Insecurity Summit in August.
We will bring together local and regional partners - nonprofits, faith communities, civic organizations, Wake County leaders, and State and Federal agencies — to align our efforts and strengthen collaboration.
This Summit isn’t just a meeting. It’s a chance to share data, identify gaps, coordinate resources, and reduce duplication, and build a more coordinated, sustainable approach to help our neighbors.
You see…Hunger knows no age. No background. No boundaries.
And no one in Wake Forest should go to bed hungry.
This is work we can only do together.
The future of Wake Forest won’t just happen. It will be shaped by the choices we make and the way we care for one another.
The future is something we will build - together.
Everything we’ve talked about tonight comes back to one simple idea: We move forward together.
Katchi Gapsida.
And with your help…I know that our Best Days are ahead.
Thank you …Good night - and be safe.