E. Roy Epperson Service Award
Katharine Steele was awarded the 2025 E. Roy Epperson Service Award for Region 4 of the American Iris Society (AIS). This award is presented by Region 4 to members who contribute significantly at local and regional levels.
Katharine served as President of the Charlotte Iris Society (CIS) numerous times; she was a Master Judge until retiring in 2020; she attended many AIS and regional meetings; she was the first recipient of the Carrie Winter Mentoring Award; she hybridized irises, including the MTB ‘Petit Monet’ which was awarded the AIS Williamson-White Medal in 1996. Katharine is a mother, grandmother and published author with an honorary doctorate degree for her philanthropic causes.
Carrie Winter was presented the 2015 E. Roy Epperson Service Award for Region 4 of the American Iris Society (AIS). Carrie was a Master Gardener; she gave numerous presentations on general gardening and particularly iris care and propagation. She served in Region 4 of the AIS as Secretary, Assistant Regional Vice President and Judges Training Chairman. Carrie was the President of the Charlotte Iris Society for many years.
