The Youth Community Service Award Program has been the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s most visible community effort for more than 40 years. Begun in 1980 as an idea of Carol Wolf, 1979-80 President, it was designed to reward Hilton Head Island students. The first award was a $75 savings account earned by Peggy Carey, a junior at May River Academy.

By 1984, the organization presented a pre-teen award of $100 and a teen award of $200. In 1986 the amount jumped to $500 and remained there until recently when it increased again. Until 1994 the Youth Awards were given to students in various grades, from sixth graders to high school seniors.

The Youth Community Service Awards program now recognizes local graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated exemplary service to the community. The number and amount of awards presented each year vary based on WAHHI’s finances.

Well over 100 students have been recognized since the program’s inception in 1980, and thousands of dollars have been awarded. These monetary awards honor recipients’ civic contributions.

Each year, the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI) is pleased to present Youth Community Service Awards (YCSA) to graduating Seniors who contributed significant service to both their school and community throughout their high school years.

Students from the following schools are eligible for the award:

• Bluffton High School
• Hilton Head High School
• May River High School
• Cross Schools
• Heritage Academy
• Hilton Head Preparatory School
• Hilton head Christian Academy
• John Paul II Catholic School
• Students who reside in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island, SC and are Home Schooled under the South Carolina Home School Statute, SC Association of Home Schools, or with a Home School Association

Guidance counselors at the schools have received the application.

Completed applications can be submitted to youthawards@wahhi.org. The application for 2025 will be available early next year.