FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jim Tynen (919) 834-2099
Jim.Tynen@NCCivitas.org
Raleigh, N.C. – The John W. Pope Civitas Institute will give its inaugural Civitas Audentia Award to Ron Margiotta, former chairman of the Wake County school board.
“‘Audentia’ is Latin for ‘courage’ and ‘boldness,’ and Ron displayed both in his time on the school board,” said Civitas President Francis X. De Luca. “For much of his first six years on the board, he often was a lone voice crying out against school assignment policies that resulted in long bus rides for students, disrupted families, and gave parents little voice in where their children went to school.
“Yet despite intense opposition, Ron persevered. He promoted reforms that boosted student achievement, made schools safer, and created fairer suspension policies, and he brought changes in the assignment policy. In addition, he guided the district through tough financial times while protecting the classroom. It’s that kind of bold leadership that earned him this honor.”
Margiotta will be presented with the award tonight at the Conservative Leadership Conference, which aims to energize, train, and equip citizens and leaders in North Carolina.
More information on the Civitas Institute, North Carolina’s conservative voice, is available at www.nccivitas.org.
I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the Civitas Audentia Award than Ron Margiotta. He embodies the very spirit of this award which honors courage, boldness, and an enduring commitment to conservative ideals. It was a special honor for Deborah, a colleague of Ron’s during his tenure on the Wake County School Board, and me to be seated with him at the Conservative Leadership Conference dinner where he received the award. Congratulations Ron!!