Rowan County United Way

The Service Above Self Youth Awards began its mission in 1995 to honor students for their generous and selfless service they provide here in Rowan County. The program was started by Dr. Jim Duncan and has been made possible by Rowan County United
Way, Rowan Rotary Club, and recently, Cheerwine. Over the years, Catawba College has supported the annual event, but has become a partner this year, contributing $60,000 worth of scholarships to one middle and three high school winners. Those nominated throughout the years have been recognized for a wide variety of volunteering efforts, including gathering food for nearby animal shelters and various projects for local charities.

Former Service Above Self Award winner, Andrew Smith, reflects on his experience with the program. “During my junior and senior years of high school, I was honored to be nominated and awarded the Service Above Self Award.  When I applied to Wake Forest University, a school that emphasizes its motto — Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), my Service Above Self Award served as an external validation for the work I had completed with at-risk middle school students.”

Smith further describes how the event has influenced his present life. “This type of recognition program encouraged me to continue volunteering well beyond my high school career into college. I feel confident that receiving this award enhanced my application to my dream school, but more importantly, I was given encouragement from community leaders that volunteering was a worthy cause. As a non-athlete in high school, I found winning a Service Above Self Award to be like making an all county team — a team of students focused intently on helping others. That same sense of community service and volunteerism, which Service Above Self fostered in me, led me into my work as a teacher and my current role within Rowan-Salisbury Schools.”

With Catawba College extending scholarships now, the past winner is thrilled for what will be in store for students. “There are many traditional recognition programs within the county and state that recognize students for athletics and academics. Service Above Self represents a unique way in which students are recognized for their work in helping others outside of sports and academics. I believe this will only further encourage students to reach out to their community to find diverse ways to serve others.”

Service Above Self has grown exponentially over the last 23 years, and it has given many of our youth the chance to not only receive the recognition that they deserve, but also the tools needed to grow further in their education.

Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 9. To access nomination forms, go to rowanserviceaboveself.com. Forms should be submitted by emailing Tara Bailey at admin@rcunitedway, faxing United Way at 704-633-1805, or by sending the form to the office located at 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W. Mailed nomination forms must be postmarked no later than Nov. 9.