Legendary Drama Director Wendell Tabb Honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award 

DURHAM, NC – Durham’s historic Hillside High School celebrated legendary retired educator and drama director Wendell Tabb’s induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his outstanding service and contributions to the State of North Carolina. According to the website, “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is presented to individuals with a proven record of extraordinary service to the State of North Carolina and their community.” The Hillside community recognized Tabb during the season-opening night performance of Little Shop of Horrors.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is the highest award bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina. The award was established in 1963. Notable recipients of the award include Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, William Friday, Michael Jordan, Dale Earnhardt, James Worthy, Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, William Barber II, Baba Chuck Davis among others. 

Community members, family, friends, former students, colleagues, and supporters joined Hillside Drama Department, Hillside Performing Arts Department, and Hillside High School in recognizing Tabb for his 35 years of service to the City of Durham and the State of North Carolina. During his career, Tabb served as the drama director and teacher at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. He is the Chair Emeritus of the award-winning Hillside Performing Arts Department. He is also the Artistic Director of Triangle Performance Ensemble and co-producer of Black Nativity Durham. He has directed over 100 plays and has received numerous awards for his work. 

In February 2019, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education announced renaming Hillside High School’s theater to John H. Gattis-Wendell Tabb Theater and naming its stage Wendell Tabb Stage. 

Wendell Tabb is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Duchess Tabb, and they have one son.