Ready to nominate a student for an award for their many accomplishments? 

The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative celebrates Greenville students who are making a measurable difference in school and community life. Nominations are open for seven distinct categories — Entertainer, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Athlete, Scholar, Volunteer, and Overall Outstanding Youth of the Year — so outstanding young people are recognized for the particular ways they inspire others. 

Eligible nominees must be students from Greenville or enrolled in Greenville-area schools. Anyone who knows a remarkable student — teachers, coaches, parents, mentors, peers, or the students themselves — may submit a nomination between our new contest dates of Sept. 15th and November 15th annually. 

Category descriptions and examples listed below:

Entertainer — Recognizes students who bring joy and cultural value through performance arts. Examples: a high school musician leading outreach concerts at Greenville care centers, a theater student directing community productions, or a dancer organizing workshops for younger students. 

Innovator — Honors students who apply creativity and problem-solving to real challenges. Examples: a student team developing a local environmental monitoring device, a coder building apps used by Greenville clubs, or a science project scaled for community benefit. 

Entrepreneur — Celebrates students who launch sustainable ventures that serve Greenville. Examples: a student-run social enterprise employing neighbors, a small business that donates proceeds to local causes, or a student consultant helping local nonprofits. 

Athlete — Highlights student-athletes whose performance, leadership, and sportsmanship elevate their teams and community. Examples: a captain who mentors younger players, an athlete organizing fitness programs in underserved neighborhoods, or a competitor leading community fundraisers.

Scholar — Recognizes academic excellence paired with curiosity and intellectual contribution. Examples: a student publishing research with local partners, leading peer tutoring programs in Greenville schools, or designing curricula used in afterschool programs. 

Volunteer — Honors sustained service and community impact. Examples: a student coordinating neighborhood cleanups, leading food drives that partner with Greenville shelters, or launching volunteering initiatives that address local needs. 

Overall Outstanding Youth of the Year — Reserved for a nominee whose accomplishments span categories and demonstrate exceptional impact, integrity, and sustained contribution to Greenville. This honoree exemplifies leadership, measurable outcomes, and community inspiration. What to include in a nomination Concise statement of achievement — A clear summary of why this student deserves recognition. Focus on the achievement, its purpose, and the difference it has made in Greenville. Supporting examples — Concrete evidence such as event summaries, program outcomes, links to videos or project pages, photos, awards, letters of support, or news coverage. Where possible, describe measurable results (people served, funds raised, improvements made). 

Contact details — Full name and contact information emailed to outstandingyouthawards@gmail.com for both the nominee and the nominator, plus the student’s school and grade level. Include a primary phone number and email address so the selection team can follow up for verification or additional materials. 

How nominations are Evaluated 

Impact — We look for clear, demonstrable benefits to individuals, groups, or neighborhoods in Greenville. Prefer entries that show scope, outcomes, and sustainability. Integrity — Nominees should demonstrate honesty, accountability, and leadership in their actions. Letters of support and clear, verifiable documentation help validate character and conduct. 

The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative evaluates every entry for impact, integrity, and community contribution — and your nomination helps shine a light on the next generation of Greenville's leaders.