RHS Awards Descriptions

RHS Awards

The following lists the awards students are eligible for in each grade. As many of these awards are selected based on student character, students may not nominate themselves, nor may they campaign for the nomination of these awards. This list is subject to change as student opportunities evolve.

Sophomore Awards

Hugh O’Brien Youth Ambassador

The Hugh O’Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference allows high school sophomores to build their leadership potential through an inspiring three- or four-day Leadership Seminar based on three leadership perspectives: Personal, Group, and Societal. The Rustburg High School faculty selects up to two student ambassadors to attend the conference based on the demonstration of the following characteristics: dedication to service, leadership among peers, and encouragement of others.

Junior Awards

Boys/Girls State Program

Virginia Boys State and Virginia Girls State programs are leadership action programs, designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it. VBS and VGS are among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. Each year the Rustburg High School faculty selects up to two males and two females to represent RHS as delegates to the VBS and VGS summer program. Delegates are selected based on their outstanding characteristics of leadership, character, attitude, scholarship, and community service.

William & Mary Leadership Award

The William & Mary Leadership Award is presented to one outstanding current junior from each high school in Virginia and select high schools across the United States. The recipient of this award is chosen by the RHS Faculty for being a visible and dynamic leader within our school community. Past award recipients have been described as risk-takers, decision-makers, opinion leaders, go-getters, bridge-builders and catalysts for change.

NOTE: Interest in attending William & Mary will not be considered, receiving the award will not affect the admission process, and the award is intended to honor the student's achievements, regardless of his or her college selection.

Senior Awards

Jefferson Scholar Foundation at the University of Virginia

The Jefferson Scholar Program provides accepted students full tuition, fees, and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study at UVA, plus many generous enrichment benefits, including study abroad experiences. Given the magnitude of this opportunity, this program is incredibly competitive. The nomination process begins at the high school level. Rustburg High School faculty selects up to two nominees to apply to the Jefferson Scholar Program. Nominees are academically-minded, socially competent, and mature students who are involved leaders at RHS, and active within the community. Beyond the initial nomination of students, RHS faculty do not make any other decisions on this process. After the initial nomination, students must then be vetted through the foundation’s multiple rounds of selection, including several interviews and group retreats.

NOTE: Per Jefferson Scholar guidelines, interest in attending the University of Virginia is not considered when selecting nominee(s). If selected students agree to accept their nomination, they will need to apply to the University of Virginia. Receiving this nomination will not affect the admission process. However, at the end of the process, to receive the Jefferson Scholarship you must be accepted and agree to attend the University of Virginia.

Citizenship Award

The Citizenship Award is given to two seniors selected by the faculty as being outstanding citizens. Students receiving this award must exhibit tolerance for others, a willingness to help, sensitivity to other’s needs, and an enthusiasm for school activities. These awards will be given annually at the Senior Award Ceremony.

Lloyd C. Abbott Award

The Lloyd C. Abbott Award is an honor and service award given by the faculty of Rustburg High School to two outstanding seniors. Our faculty carefully considers seniors who exhibit excellent academic records, high intellect, a willingness to serve, and a concern for others. These awards will be given annually at the Senior Award Ceremony.

Hugh T. Pendleton Award of Excellence

Each year the faculty of Rustburg High School selects a senior to receive the Hugh T. Pendleton Award of Excellence. This is the highest award given to any Rustburg Senior. The recipient of this award best demonstrates the qualities of loyalty, achievement, scholarship, and character. A medal is presented and the recipient’s name is engraved on a permanent plaque to be displayed in our school.