Montana Phillips, school social worker at Forest Hills High School, has received Union County Government's quarterly Caught in the Act Award, honoring her extraordinary dedication and the profound impact she has made through her work. Montana received two separate nominations, each highlighting her consistent willingness to go far beyond her job responsibilities to support students and families in meaningful, life-changing ways.

The Caught in the Act Award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment by going above and beyond to make a difference. According to two colleagues who nominated her, Montana Phillips embodies this spirit every day.

One nomination detailed Phillips' work with a 2025 graduate whose journey reflects her deep customer focus and belief in student potential. What began as assistance with clothing needs quickly evolved into comprehensive, long-term support. As Phillips built trust with the student, she learned they had limited support at home and little guidance around life after graduation. She proactively connected the student with their school counselor, helped them explore postsecondary options, and provided encouragement when the student felt discouraged about attending community college. Montana then worked closely with the student to meet application deadlines, connect with college staff, and secure the financial assistance needed to enroll. To further support the student’s success, Phillips arranged for a donated laptop - fulfilling a promise she made to help remove barriers to learning. Thanks to her unwavering guidance and advocacy, the student graduated in June 2025 and began classes at South Piedmont Community College in the fall of 2025.

Another nomination highlighted Phillips' broader impact on the Forest Hills school community and beyond. Since joining Union County, she has gone above and beyond to serve families facing significant hardships - supporting those displaced by house fires, securing a laptop for a student enrolled in online college courses, and consistently finding solutions when needs arise.

This year, Phillips also took the initiative to create a community stakeholder newsletter, helping donors understand how their contributions support the school community and highlighting current needs. She independently organized and maintained the school’s clothing closet, gathering donations of food, clothing, toiletries, shoes, coats, snacks, and more.

Her compassion extends well beyond the school walls. In November, she organized Thanksgiving meal baskets for six families who were not being served by other organizations, ensuring each received a full holiday meal. She regularly delivers food to a family outside of standard delivery routes after a parent lost their job. In December, she helped secure holiday support for families in need.

All of this is done in addition to her daily work supporting students, staff and families at Forest Hills. "She comes to work daily, saying this is her dream job and that she cannot imagine doing anything else," said Lydia McNamara, one of Montana's colleagues. "She exemplifies all the qualities necessary to put the most positive light on Union County employees."

County Manager Brian Matthews shared similar sentiments when the management team surprised Phillip's with the award on Feb. 20. "Montana represents the very best of Union County,” Matthews said. “Her compassion, initiative, and unwavering commitment to the people she serves reflect our values and the heart of public service. The impact she's making will be felt for years to come."

As the recipient of this quarterly Award, Phillips receives a $250 bonus and an extra day off in recognition of her outstanding service. She is also eligible for the annual Caught in the Act Employee of the Year Award.


Caught in the Act Award recipient and social worker Montana Phillips


County Manager Brian Matthews, Caught in the Act Award recipient Montana Phillips and Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland


from left to right: Social Services Director Ashley Lantz, Behavioral Health Collaborative Program Manager Christina Neal, Caught in the Act Award recipient and social worker Montana Phillips, Senior Social Work Supervisor Emily Dilworth, and Behavioral Health Therapist Supervisor Lynn Violette