The Salisbury-Rowan Human Relations Council is seeking nominations for the 2006-2007 Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Humanitarian Award.

The award recognizes a person from the Salisbury-Rowan community who exemplifies the ideals of the late Elizabeth “Libby” Koontz and who has made an important contribution to improving human relations in the areas of education, employment, housing, industry, business, civic, church or community endeavors at the county, state, or national level.

People may be nominated by organizations or individuals from the community. All nominations should be typed, double-spaced, in narrative style and no more than two pages in length. Information included inn the nomination narrative should be restricted to the award criteria.

Koontz, a Livingstone College graduate who went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees, was the first African-American president of the National Education Association’s Division of Classroom Teachers. She later served in the Nixon administration as director of the Women’s Bureau and was associate superintendent for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

She helped to re-establish the Salisbury-Rowan Human Relations Council in 1985 and served as a member until her death, including two years as co-chair.

Nominations should be mailed to the Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Award Committee, Human Relations Council, c/o Elia Gregorek, P.O. Box 3435, Salisbury NC 28145-3435.

Nominations must be received by Jan. 31.