Jen Ferrell NC Awards 2020 Nomination

Dear NC Awards Committee,

I am writing this letter in support of North Carolina resident since birth and longtime advocate for the arts and education, Clay Aiken, for consideration of the Fine Arts category for this year's NC Awards. Clay began his early career as a special education teacher in NC public schools and has been sharing his voice with the world the last twenty years. It was a thrill for so many in our state when Clay made it onto the very first American Idol show and taking it all the way into the top two. Ever since then he's grown and continues his musical and theatrical career, using his voice for excellent causes. From co-founding a NC non-profit that reaches across our state and nationwide, the National Inclusion Project, to serving as an Ambassador for UNICEF. His charitable work has helped children and families in our state, nation and worldwide.

Clay has a way of bringing folks together to bridge the divide and in recent years he's been on broadcast and podcast media still doing so. He has a humble heart and comic side that just puts people at ease when around him. I fondly remember volunteering time with Clay's congressional campaign all around NC2 a good part of 2014. When I hosted my neighbors and local friends at our home for a roundtable meet and greet with Clay, we had the opportunity to see this firsthand, along with straight forward ideas and answers to neighbor's questions and concerns. It was also great to watch Clay kick off the 2019 Raleigh Christmas Parade.

In recent months Clay has returned to the state to live and work during these times, especially considering his family calls North Carolina home. I think he would be surprised and extremely honored to receive the Fine Arts award this year. Thank you for reading and the consideration of Clay Aiken for this nomination.