While Simpson, who finished third in the competition, was not at the meeting, board Chair Vernon Bryant said he plans to present it to her at a reception this evening in Hollister where the singer will greet her fans. The reception is planned for 7 p.m. at the Doe Spun building.

“She never forgot Halifax County or Hollister,” Bryant said before reading the proclamation. “She kept that at the forefront. We’re really proud of her. I was hoping she would win. There’s a lot to be said about coming in third place.”

The proclamation, which declares January 2 as Brooke Simpson Day, says she “represented Halifax County, the community of Hollister and the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe in the thirteenth season of NBC’s The Voice, coming in third and representing our community with pride, faith and humility.”

The document, which commissioners unanimously approved, says, “Mrs. Simpson wowed the nation with her beautiful renditions of O, Holy Night; Amazing Grace; Praying; Faithfully and many more wonderful songs … Mrs. Simpson spoke to and inspired young women around the globe with her original song What is Beautiful, an incredible message about beauty in today’s age.”

The proclamation praises Simpson for demonstrating professionalism, creativity and community spirit — “all tempered with humility, faith and (an) engaging personality — thus spotlighting Halifax County and the communities in which she grew up.”

Reads the proclamation: “She brought Halifax County, the Hollister community and the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe together and brought hope, pride and inspiration showing the community and the nation to never give up on your dreams … the Halifax County Board of Commissioners does hereby thank and express its sincere appreciation to Brooke Simpson for her remarkable and inspirational performances.”