The Special Olympics of North Carolina announced its 2026 Athlete Leadership Council and officers including an athlete from Onslow County.
The leadership council includes 19 registered Special Olympics athletes from across North Carolina.
The council’s officers for 2026 include Chair Dean Hall, of Durham County; Vice Chair Chase Stroud, of Iredell County; Sergeant at Arms Joel Watson, of Gaston County; Secretary Carrie Greenblatt, of Lake Norman; and Immediate Past Chair Jake Huffman, of Gaston County.
Council members for 2026 include Michelle Pratt, of Onslow County; Jonathan Bernstein, of Mecklenburg County; Dennis Blair, of Wake County; Nick Brodsky, of Wake County; Trenton D’Agostino, of Watauga County; Amanda Faggart, of Cabarrus County; Lana Foster, of Clay County; Shelby Hadas, of Guilford County; Jeffrey Jackson, of Mecklenburg County; Matthew Novak, of Cumberland County; Darius Robinson, of Cabarrus County; Lorenzo Stancil, of Franklin County; Emmie Stanley, of New Hanover County; and Annie Tane, of Orange County.
Leadership council members serve two-year terms. Their role is to provide advice and guidance to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. president and chief executive officer on topics related to the Special Olympics. Council members meet quarterly and attend state-level events to volunteer.
Council members also explore and participate in a variety of leadership roles at Special Olympics competitions and fundraisers, including Over The Edge, Plane Pull and a variety of polar plunges.
They will also serve as emcees during event opening ceremonies, present awards and attend planned leadership conferences.
