The Huntington Exemplary Service Award

Brookgreen Garden’s Sandy Island School House has been named to the African American Civil Rights Network of the National Park Service as of September 2021 for its use as a citizenship school in the 1950s and 60s for adults to overcome literacy laws that prevented voter registration.

Call for Nominations: Huntington Exemplary Service Award

Brookgreen Gardens is proud to announce the call for nominations for the Huntington Exemplary Service Award, honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving race relations within our communities between June 19, 2024, and August 1, 2025.

Two honorees—one each from Georgetown County and Horry County—will be selected for their dedication to fostering equity, unity, and cultural understanding.

Award recipients will be celebrated during the Gullah Geechee Junkanoo Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Brookgreen Gardens.

Help us shine a light on those making a difference. Nominate a changemaker today!

Selection criteria for nominees are individuals who have demonstrated any one or all of the following:

a. Involvement in community engagement to raise awareness of concerns about freedom and equality.

b. Involvement in social justice work and activism.

c. Providing a safe place for youth and adults to speak truth to power.

d. Effecting change through creative arts and expression.

Note: We ask that no persons currently holding an elected office or actively running for office be nominated. Also, no Brookgreen Staff, Volunteer, or Huntington Exemplary Service Committee member may be nominated.

We will accept nominations for this year's awards through August 1, 2025.

Submit your nomination below.