Governor McMaster Awarded Order of the Palmetto

South Carolina honors Delores Dacosta for her extensive career in public service.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Awards

Governor McMaster Awarded Order of the Palmetto

Governor Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto to Delores Dacosta during a ceremony at the South Carolina State House. This recognition highlights her significant contributions throughout more than four decades of dedicated public service.

Why it matters

The Order of the Palmetto serves as South Carolina's highest civilian honor, acknowledging individuals who have made extraordinary lifetime achievements and contributions to the state. Dacosta's recognition reflects her long history of service across various levels of government and community advocacy.

Delores Dacosta is the first woman from Awendaw to receive the honor, which was established in 1971. The recipient holds a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

The players

Henry McMaster

Henry McMaster is the current Governor of South Carolina who presented the award to Delores Dacosta.

Delores Dacosta

Delores Dacosta is an executive director and long-time public servant who is the first woman from Awendaw to receive the Order of the Palmetto.

Tim Scott

Tim Scott is a U.S. Senator who previously employed Delores Dacosta as a regional director.

The details

Dacosta, the executive director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, previously served as a Charleston police officer and a Charleston County magistrate. Her career also includes her tenure as a regional director for U.S. Senator Tim Scott until her retirement from that role in 2017.

The Order of the Palmetto was established in 1971.
Dacosta retired from her role as regional director for Tim Scott in 2017.
Dacosta received the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

The recognition of Delores Dacosta aligns with the state's ongoing tradition of using the Order of the Palmetto to celebrate individuals who bridge gaps between different levels of community and public governance. This award highlights a shift toward honoring long-term public servants who have operated across diverse jurisdictions.

Residents of Awendaw and the broader community can view this award as a reflection of the significant local leadership presence in state government. The ceremony serves to highlight the impact of individuals who maintain long-term commitments to public service within their regions.

The takeaway

The recognition of lifetime achievement helps define the values the state prioritizes in its leadership. Citizens looking to engage in public service can look to recipients of the Order of the Palmetto as examples of sustained commitment to community advancement.