Lillian Wright of New Hanover County was among a group of volunteers from across the state recently recognized for her work in the community.
 
Wright and 20 others received the 2016 Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service at a ceremony at the state Capitol building. Recipients ranged in age from high school teens to nearly 90, and they were recognized for service in 11 categories, according to a news release from Gov. Pat McCrory’s office.
 
“The volunteers recognized today are the best of North Carolina,” McCrory said in a statement. “This year’s recipients did not volunteer to be recognized or receive credit. However their actions help make our state a better place and inspire others to give back to their communities.”
 
Wright, who is the older sister of two siblings with Down syndrome, founded the first-ever high school chapter of Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities form meaningful friendships, the release stated.
 
She has served president of the club since it started, and it has served more than 75 students, with and without disabilities. Along with Best Buddies, Wright serves as a counselor for PALS Summer Camp for young adults with Down syndrome and their peers, the release stated.