Samantha Reilly – John Paul II

Samantha is a leader, athlete, accomplished student, and keenly interested in STEM. She has volunteered with many school and community organizations, including Coastal Carolina Hospital, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, John Paul II Acts 29 Ministry, Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum. In recognition of her contributions, Samantha earned the Bluffton Mayor’s Exceptional Service Award and John Paul II Catholic School’s Service Award. Samantha wrote that “Volunteering has allowed me to share my love of STEM with my community, support children and families in need, and give back to my school.”

Nancy Fowler, Executive Director of The Sandbox Children’s Museum, wrote that Samantha “has been very generous with her time and knowledge and has had a lasting, positive impact on the children and families who visit.”

 Samantha plans to attend Auburn University and study aerospace engineering. She would like to “play an important role in making space flight history building rockets that send our astronauts back to the moon and on to Mars,” possibly as a flight director for NASA.

Sam Rembold – John Paul II

 Sam is a patriot, an athlete, an Eagle Scout, the Student Body Vice President, an outstanding student, and an integral member of his high school’s peer tutoring program and Acts 29 Campus Ministry.

In his Reflection on Service, Sam wrote, “I used to think that service was something that you did once a year and helped you be a good person. I learned that service was so much more than that. Service is a way of life…I learned that service might not always be the most appealing or enjoyable activity, but it is always worth it.”

 Deacon Jerry White, Director of the Diocese of Charleston’s Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry, wrote “Sam is one of the few people who clearly stands out in serving and leading youth across the state of South Carolina.”

Sam plans to attend the United States Naval Academy in hopes of becoming a Marine Corps aviator and studying either electrical or aerospace engineering.

Julia Delgado – John Paul II

When Julia is not fixing or racing a 1978 Jeep J-20, she is involved with John Paul II High School’s Acts 29 Peer Ministry, DECA Club, Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, gymnastics, and soccer. She describes herself as someone who loves to understand “how things work” and focus on “something bigger than myself.”

Both of the people who recommended Julia emphasized her dedication, leadership skills, and courage. Andi Shaw, John Paull II Catholic School’s Science Department Chair, wrote, “One of the best things about Julia is that she is willing to step out of her comfort zone and try new things even if they seem non-traditional.”

Julia plans to attend North Carolina State University College of Engineering, where she will study civil engineering. In the future, she would like to focus on structural engineering to help make sure structures “are sound and safe for people to use.” Later, she would like to apply to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and specialize in the STEM field.

Whitney McGuire – Hilton Head Island High School

Whitney is a leader, an athlete, an accomplished student, and an active member of the Hilton Head Island community. She attributes her understanding of the power of community involvement, the value of helping others, and the importance of civic engagement to her mother. Whitney is drawn to service opportunities that benefit children and older adults. She has especially fond memories of volunteering at St. Luke’s after-school program, where she learned about “the challenges that many people face and the importance of empathy and compassion in helping to address those challenges.” In recognition of her service, Whitney earned the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award.

Hilton Head Island High School counselor, Julie Markle, emphasized Whitney’s academic achievements, leadership abilities, admirable character, compassion, pursuit of excellence, and “sincere desire to humbly make a positive impact on those around her.”

Whitney plans to attend the University of South Carolina, study public health, and eventually become a physician’s assistant within a surgical practice.

Daniela Lopez – Hilton Head Island High School

In addition to her service as a Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) tutor, Daniela is an active member of her church and a respected student leader and high school athlete. At Hilton Head Island High School, she led a division of United for Ukraine, a student-founded project initiated by the 2023 International Baccalaureate Degree Program candidates. In honor of her service, Daniela earned the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award.

Andy Sutton, a youth leader, wrote, “There is no need to go behind her to ensure that the job she completed was done well or thoroughly, as we are confident of her diligence and good work ethic.” Daniela contends that “Through action, we can demonstrate our love for our community,” and she is motivated to “participate in and organize events that help those who need it most.”  By taking advantage of opportunities available to her, Daniela strives to honor her parents’ hard work.

Daniela plans to attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort and study biology in hopes of eventually becoming a dentist or physical therapist.

Audrey Perry – Hilton Head Island High School

Audrey is a talented poet, an accomplished athlete, and an engaged member of the Hilton Head Island community. Her English teacher, Malinda B. Felix, wrote, “In a class of the strongest students in the school, Audrey shines” and “Audrey Perry is a standout with a heart of gold.”

In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Audrey has been especially involved with Pockets Full of Sunshine and Hilton Head Aquatics, where she has channeled her love of fitness and volunteering. In her Reflection on Service, Audrey mentioned that Pockets Full of Sunshine allows “individuals the opportunity to be a proud participant of the community” and provides “daily care, meaningful engagement, and outreach services supporting individuals and their families.” Audrey earned the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award  after volunteering with Pockets Full of Sunshine weekly for a total of more than 140 hours of community service. Volunteering with this organization taught her that “one smile can change a person’s life.”

Audrey plans to attend Rollins College, where she will pursue a liberal arts degree and participate in their division two women’s swim team. In the future, Audrey would like to be a human rights lawyer.

Caroline Denckhoff – Palmetto Classical Academy

Caroline is a classically trained ballet dancer and an emerging entrepreneur who is excited to “bring my energy and fresh ideas home to help our beautiful community flourish and support others as they pursue their dreams” after she graduates college. Her passion for service started when she was little thanks to her parents’ example. Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, and mentoring girls through a middle school bible study are some of Caroline’s favorite volunteer engagements because she especially adores working with children. In recognition of more than 150 hours working with various local charities and organizations, Caroline earned the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Service Award. She contends that “Serving in the community means bringing hope to my fellow neighbors.”

Dr. Jennifer Herrin from Classical Conversations described Caroline as “a delightful, winsome young person with a very bright future as a servant leader!” and Janice Magnin, Children’s Directory at Hilton Head Island Presbyterian Church wrote, “Caroline stands out as one of the most ambitious, energetic, and hardworking” volunteers.

Caroline plans to attend the University of South Carolina, majoring in business and marketing.