LUMBERTON, N.C. – The Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC) is proud to share that North Carolina Senator Danny Britt has honored the late Coach Danny Graham with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. The recognition was presented to Coach Graham’s family during the September 9, 2025 PSRC Board of Education meeting.
“We are honored that so many people felt he was so deserving of this award. He would be so proud,” a statement by the family reads. “We are especially grateful that his grandchildren can see the impact he made on others and take pride in carrying forward his legacy. His life’s work continues to inspire not only our family, but the many students and athletes whose lives he touched.”
Graham’s wife, Betty, children, Meredith Graham Britt and Scott Graham, and grandchildren, Noah Britt and Emma Britt, received the recognition plaque from Senator Britt.
“I am honored and proud to see the tremendous impact my father made on so many lives! He wanted his athletes to be successful both on and off the court, and never cared about any recognition or receiving awards. He truly just wanted the best for everyone he loved,” Scott Graham said.
Coach Graham's family describes him as a family man who had a love for sports and for seeing athletes succeed on the court, on the field and in life.
“Daddy was just a big motivator and positive person,” Meredith Graham Britt said.
He believed in pushing athletes to meet their full potential and to give their all in the game.
“Coach Graham was a great coach and I consider him to be one of the most influential mentors in my life at the start of my coaching career,” said PSRC Athletic Director Glenn Patterson. “Coach Graham was successful, forward-thinking and a wonderful coach and friend. He is so deserving of this recognition because of the way he coached, lived and served.”
A legendary leader on and off the court, Coach Graham dedicated more than two decades to guiding the Lumberton High School women’s basketball program. He became the school’s winningest coach, leading the Pirates to the 2001 State Championship, a 2002 runner-up finish, and multiple tournament victories. Over the course of his career, he earned numerous coaching honors and inspired athletes who went on to pursue college scholarships. In addition, under his leadership, 14 athletes became state champions in track.
Today, the Lumberton High School basketball court proudly bears his name, serving as a daily reminder of his impact. Though Graham passed away in February, his legacy continues to live on through the countless students, athletes, and community members whose lives he touched.
“Coach Graham was more than a coach—he was a mentor, a leader, and a role model who instilled values of hard work, perseverance and character,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “We are grateful to see his legacy honored with such a distinguished award.”
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to individuals with a proven record of extraordinary service to the state of North Carolina. Coach Graham’s lifelong contributions to education, athletics, and his community exemplify the spirit of this honor.
“The lives that Coach Graham touched during his time at Lumberton High School are evident in every conversation I’ve been involved in around LHS athletics. He was one of those rare coaches who lit a fire inside of you and motivated you to rise to any occasion and it showed in the teams that he coached. He was a great coach, but an even better man and well deserving of this award!” said PSRC Board of Education Chairman Tre’ Britt.
NC Senator Danny Britt presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, to Coach Graham’s family during the September 9, 2025 PSRC Board of Education meeting. The honor recognized the late coach for his impact on the lives of many.