Billy Roland Legacy Service Award

Golden Triangle RC&D is proud to establish the Billy Roland Legacy Service Award in honor of our longtime president, Billy Roland, who faithfully led our organization from 1992 to 2022, and continues to serve on the Executive Board.

Billy is a devoted Christian, a selfless neighbor, and a tireless community servant. For over three decades, he has generously given his time, energy, and talents to strengthen Golden Triangle RC&D and make Southwest Georgia a better place for everyone. This award celebrates Billy's lifetime of leadership and service by recognizing a graduating senior who embodies those same values of integrity, service, and community spirit. Unlike many awards limited to college-bound students, the Billy Roland Legacy Service Award recognizes that there are many honorable paths after high school - trade school, apprenticeship, military service, or entering the workforce. The award provides a financial gift to help the recipient take their next steps by supporting expenses such as tools, uniforms, training, or other needs as they begin building their future.

Graduating high school seniors in the Golden Triangle RC&D service area. Demonstrated record of service to community, church, or school. Recognized for good character, integrity, and leadership. Plans to pursue further growth - in college, trades, military, or workforce.

Annual cash award (amount determined each year by Golden Triangle RC&D Funds are provided directly to the recipient for use in preparing for their chosen path.

Students may be nominated by teachers, clergy, or community leaders, or may apply directly with a letter of recommendation. A selection committee appointed by Golden Triangle RC&D will review all nominations and select the recipient.

Selection Committee Scoring Rubric:

Each nominee will be evaluated on the following criteria. Committee members should assign points for each category. The student with the highest total score will be selected as the award recipient.

1. Service to Community, Church, or School (0-40 points)

36-40: Exceptional record of service; consistent involvement in meaningful activities showing a deep commitment to others. 26-35: Strong involvement; demonstrated leadership or long-term participation in service projects. 16-25: Some service activities; participation is positive but not sustained. 0-15: Limited or no evidence of service.

2. Character and Integrity (0-30 points)

26-30: Widely recognized as a role model of honesty, kindness, and respect; consistent demonstration of values in all settings. 18-25: Generally demonstrates strong character and integrity; occasional evidence of leadership by example. 10-17: Shows positive qualities but limited examples provided. 0-9: Limited evidence of strong character or integrity.

3. Leadership and Initiative (0-20 points)

18-20: Clearly takes initiative, leads peers, and inspires others through action. 13-17: Shows leadership in specific activities or roles; takes responsibility when called upon. 6-12: Some evidence of leadership but primarily a participant rather than initiator. 0-5: Little or no evidence of leadership.

4. Future Plans and Growth Potential (0-10 points)

9-10: Strong, clear plans for next steps (trade school, apprenticeship, military, workforce, etc; demonstrates determination to continue serving community values. 6-8: Plans are identified but not fully detailed; shows potential for growth. 3-5: Some ideas for next steps, but limited clarity. 0-2: No clear plans for post-graduation growth.

Total Possible Score: 100 Points

In the event of a tie, preference will be given to the student who demonstrates the strongest record of service in line with Billy Roland's example of lifelong community leadership.

The Billy Roland Legacy Service Award:

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Submit completed nomination forms by January 31. The award winner will be announced by April 30.