Carolyn Barringer has devoted her life to serving others.
She spent decades teaching at Washington Elementary School, which she calls the greatest school in Cleveland County, and is a devoted volunteer with Washington Outreach Ministry.
Recently, she was recognized for her fundraiser efforts.
Barringer was crowned in the annual Royal Lady Queen contest for the North Carolina Federation of Colored Women’s Club, which serves as a major fundraiser for the organization. Scholarships are provided to local students from the funds raised.
Barringer, who raised $4,700, was the winner of this year’s Royal Lady.
“I was so so honored because it is helping young people with a scholarship,” she said. “I couldn’t believe I had won. Cleveland County really pulled up for me.”
Barringer said she had support from principals, former school board members and others.
“People were just sending, even if they couldn’t give but $5, they were sending money,” she said.
She said the club gave out scholarships to local students, including two to a Crest High student.
Barringer, who is a Montgomery County native, moved to Cleveland County in 1987 with her husband who was working for Carolina Freight. A devoted educator, she spent 18 years as a teacher’s assistant at Washington Elementary School.
She said it has been a blessing to represent Cleveland County through her club and to receive the award.
“It was a blessing to serve the organization and to be able to serve Cleveland County and bring the Royal Lady back to Cleveland County,” Barringer said.
In addition to her years in education, Barringer is a volunteer at Washington Outreach Ministry, which distributes food to local families, and has been active in volunteering with March of Dimes, Relay for Life and more.
The North Carolina Federation of Colored Women’s Club was organized in 1909 to promote the charitable, religious, and educational purposes of Black women.
“Lifting as we climb,” is the motto of the club. In 1909, a group of women in North Carolina organized this league of clubs, now a federation of clubs, with the purpose of lifting those around them. The first meeting was held in Charlotte.
