The Community Service Merit Award was the idea of Louise Rutland in 2003, a time when several negative issues involving teenagers at The Landings were highly publicized. Louise, the mother of two girls, wanted those children who live at The Landings who were good role models to be recognized and honored. To that end she proposed that Landlovers award high school seniors for their community service participation. First named the “Community Service Scholarship”, the name was changed in 2005 to “The Community Service Merit Award”, and in 2023 high school juniors are also eligible. The awards recognize students who go “above and beyond” in giving time and talent through community service. Commitment, creativity, leadership, and total time dedicated determine the winners.

Applicants should have volunteered more than 100 hours (not counting community service required by the applicant’s school).  The impact of the applicant’s service on a specific volunteer program or the aggregate number of hours committed to volunteer efforts across a number of programs are the primary factors considered in making Merit Awards.  Applicants who have initiated their Community Service independently, rather than simply participating in a structured program will be most competitive.

The Community Service Merit Award is a cash award to the winning applicants.  Awards range in amount from $500 to $3,000, depending on the amount of time committed and the impact of the applicant’s contributions to the particular project(s)/program.

To qualify, students must be Landings residents, be in their junior or senior year of high school, or home schooled equivalent age. Applicants are not eligible for an award for the same (or basically similar) community service more than once.

Please click below for the application which must be submitted by March 14, 2023.

The 2023 recipient of the Landlovers Community Service Merit Award is:

A graduating senior attending Savannah Country Day School, Ellie Samara Neil is an active and committed community volunteer, dedicated to an incredible number of school and community service projects, as well as sporting activities.  She served as a participant, leader, and co-founder of such efforts as Inspiritus, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, SCDA Welcome Club, UTime, One Love, Ronald McDonald  House, and Interact/Union Mission.  In addition, Ellie is a member of the National Honor Society and the Varsity Cheerleading Team.  She was named a Scholar Athlete all four years and was presented with a Leadership Award, Captain Award, Coach’s Helper Award, and ACE Award, and participated in the Tree Club, Swim Team, and Orchestra.   Ms. Christine Hefner, the SCDA School Service Coordinator, stated in her letter of recommendation:  “We are all fortunate to have students like Ellie looking out for us!”  The Landlovers Foundation is pleased to present Ellie Neil with a 2023 Community Service Merit Award, Highest Honor.