Awards

Representative Cynthia Ball

Rep. Cynthia J. Ball grew up in Franklin County, North Carolina, where she attended public schools before moving to Wake County in 1983. She earned a full academic scholarship as a Reynolds Scholar and graduated magna cum laude from UNC-Greensboro with a BA in Psychology, where she was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to earn an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed doctoral coursework (ABD) in Organizational and Human Resources Development at NC State University. Cynthia is married to Dr. David E. Aspnes, Distinguished University Professor of Physics at NC State University. Together, they have three step-children and six step-grandchildren.

Professionally, Cynthia has held leadership roles in higher education, heading University Advancement programs at both William Peace University and NC State University. She is also a certified Professional Mediator with the NC Dispute Resolution Commission, conducting mediations for both Superior Court and the NC Industrial Commission.

Cynthia currently serves her fifth term in the NC House of Representatives, where she has been part of Democratic Leadership throughout her tenure and currently serves as Deputy Leader. Her commitment to environmental advocacy earned her the title of 2022 Representative of the Year by the NC League of Conservation Voters. She serves her fourth term on the City of Raleigh Civil Service Commission and is a dedicated Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh. Cynthia has also been an advisor for the NC New Teacher Support Program, where she was recognized in 2025 for outstanding service, and is a co-founder and advisor for the NC Voter Project, demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and education.

In her personal time, Cynthia enjoys animal rescue, gardening, landscape design, and has a keen interest in Midcentury Modern design and furnishings.

Follow the Child Montessori School

Founded in 2001 by a small group of passionate parents and educators, including two of our current teachers, Follow the Child Montessori School began as a nurturing space for children to grow into confident and self-motivated individuals based on the pedagogy of Maria Montessori. From the start, we have served children from 14 months through 6th grade, rooted in the belief that every stage of development deserves thoughtful guidance and care.Starting with just 60 students at our original Ridge Road location, we’ve grown into a thriving community of over 200. In 2016, we moved to our current campus on Harden Road, featuring 10 Montessori classrooms and a rich Outdoor Learning Environment with gardens, play structures, and a greenhouse.

Founded in 2001 by a small group of passionate parents and educators, including two of our current teachers, Follow the Child Montessori School began as a nurturing space for children to grow into confident and self-motivated individuals based on the pedagogy of Maria Montessori. From the start, we have served children from 14 months through 6th grade, rooted in the belief that every stage of development deserves thoughtful guidance and care.Starting with just 60 students at our original Ridge Road location, we’ve grown into a thriving community of over 200. In 2016, we moved to our current campus on Harden Road, featuring 10 Montessori classrooms and a rich Outdoor Learning Environment with gardens, play structures, and a greenhouse.

One of our teachers is a former FCM student whose child now attends, marking three generations touched by our community and serving as a beautiful reflection of our enduring presence and purpose. As we continue to serve families from all backgrounds, we look ahead to May 2025, when we will break ground on a new building to expand enrichment and after-school programs.

North State Bank

North State Bank’s redeveloped Blue Ridge Road property is a tangible expression of innovation, purpose, and commitment to progress.

This year, North State Bank is celebrating 25 years of service to Wake County, growing from a bold idea into a trusted, independent community bank with seven offices, including the Blue Ridge Road location. Built on the belief that banking is about relationships, not just transactions, North State Bank’s driving mission is to add value to every business, person, and community it serves.

The new office replaced a modest, one-story building with a striking 31,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, reflecting the growth of North State Bank and West Raleigh. It is home to a 10,000-square-foot banking office on the lower level, complete with a drive-thru and ATM, and offers 21,000 square feet of office space for tenants on the first and second floors.

Inspired by the nearby North Carolina Museum of Art and the evolving Blue Ridge Corridor, the building features a contemporary design with clean lines, expansive windows, and a combination of natural materials, including wood and stone. A standout element is its grand patio, extending toward Blue Ridge Road—symbolizing the Bank’s invitation to serve and engage with the community.

This redevelopment is more than an architectural accomplishment; it is a statement of the Bank’s dedication to the city’s future. As West Raleigh emerges as a growing hub for entertainment, business and development, North State Bank’s investment affirms its commitment to serving businesses and families along the Blue Ridge Corridor at the highest level.