Governor McMaster Will Present Order of the Palmetto

Dr. Delores Dacosta will receive the state's highest civilian honor at the South Carolina State House on September 30.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Awards

Governor McMaster Will Present Order of the Palmetto

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Governor Henry McMaster is set to award the Order of the Palmetto to Dr. Delores Dacosta on September 30, 2026. The ceremony, which recognizes South Carolina's highest civilian honor, will take place at the State House.

Why it matters

The Order of the Palmetto serves as the premier civilian recognition in South Carolina, highlighting individuals whose service significantly impacts the state. This ceremony celebrates the leadership of Dr. Delores Dacosta, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement.

The ceremony for Dr. Delores Dacosta will commence at 2 p.m. at the South Carolina State House. The Order of the Palmetto remains the highest civilian honor available within the state.

The players

Henry McMaster

He serves as the Governor of South Carolina and is responsible for conferring the state's highest civilian honors.

Delores Dacosta

She is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement and a native of Awendaw.

The details

Dr. Delores Dacosta, a native of Awendaw in Charleston County, is being honored for her work as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement. Governor Henry McMaster will preside over the proceedings during the scheduled afternoon event.

September 28, 2026: The upcoming award ceremony was announced.
September 30, 2026: Governor McMaster presents the Order of the Palmetto.
2 p.m.: The scheduled start time for the award ceremony.

Culture Shift

This award aligns with the established traditions of the Order of the Palmetto, which functions as the state's primary mechanism for recognizing lifelong civilian service. Such honors reinforce a long-standing pattern of acknowledging community leadership within South Carolina.

The event will occur at the State House, potentially impacting traffic or pedestrian access in the immediate vicinity during the afternoon. Residents can observe the ceremony, which highlights the ongoing work of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement.

The takeaway

Recognizing public service through state honors highlights the specific contributions of individuals like Dr. Delores Dacosta to the broader community. These events serve as a barometer for the priorities and values currently celebrated by state leadership.