Youth Community Service Awards
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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.

WAHHI’s Youth Service Awards are made possible by donations and fundraising through WAHHI members and events. Thank you to the WAHHI women who make this program possible for our community.

Eligibility

This annual award is presented to graduating seniors who have performed significant service to both their school and community throughout their high school years. Students from the following high schools who will graduate in the spring of 2025 and meet this criterion of service are encouraged to apply for this cash award.

  • Bluffton High School
  • Cross Schools
  • Heritage Academy
  • Hilton Head Island High School
  • Hilton Head Preparatory School
  • Hilton Head Christian Academy
  • John Paul II Catholic School
  • May River High School
  • Students who reside in Bluffton or Hilton Head Island, SC and

__ Option 1: Home School under the South Carolina Home School Statute

__ Option 2: Home School with the SC Association of Independent Home Schools

__ Option 3: Home School with a Home School Association

Application Process

  • Application forms are available from high school guidance counselors. Or you can download it here: YCSA Application
  • Applicants must submit a completed application to youthawards@wahhi.org no later than Friday, March 7, 2025.
  • Award winners will be notified by mid-April. Information regarding presentation of the award will be sent at a future date.

Each year, the Women’s Association of Hilton head Island recognizes outstanding high school Seniors who have volunteered hours of service to their schools and community with a cash award of $1000. This year WAHHI is pleased to present the Youth Community Service Award to Christopher Nguyen, Ava Elizabeth Rios, and Caroline Thomas.

WAHHI President Debbie Gorski and Grants Chairperson Lynne Morgan had the pleasure of presenting the WAHHI Youth Community Service Award to Christopher Nguyen and Caroline Thomas at Hilton Head Christian Academy. Both were so well deserving of the award. These students truly embody the mission statement of WAHHI!