My Catawba County

PYN2K: George + Soraya Place

He was hitchhiking in El Salvador while on a Peace Corps mission, and she was riding in the back of her cousin’s pickup truck. This chance encounter led to the perfect match (and another stint with the Peace Corps, this time together!) of Soraya and George Place - two highly engaged individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others in the most interesting and adventurous ways.

This power couple is now making a difference in Catawba County, the place they call home. Dr. George Place directs the Catawba County Cooperative Extension Service, which works to connect residents with local agriculture, education, and wellness initiatives. Soraya Place is a Spanish instructor at Lenoir-Rhyne University and also leads community engagement programs for the Catawba County Library System.

George and Soraya graciously agreed to share their story - and what Catawba County means to them - in our Making. Living. Better. video series. To learn even more about the Places, read their full story in our Featured Catawbans profile or listen to their interview with WHKY's Hal Row on our Making. Living. Better. podcast.