Our Mission

Recognizing students who lead with resilience, serve with compassion, and persevere through life's challenges.

Why We Created This Scholarship

The Wilcox Leadership & Service Scholarship was established to support students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and responsibility in the face of real-world challenges.

Growing up in a family shaped by caregiving responsibilities, resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to education inspired the values behind this scholarship.

The award reflects a belief that academic effort, service, and character matter deeply—especially when balanced alongside personal, family, or financial responsibilities.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

The Wilcox Leadership & Service Scholarship is open to York Central School graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and commitment to personal growth through academics, service, and advocacy. Applicants may qualify through one or more of the following:

● Providing caregiving, advocacy, or meaningful support to a family member or community member facing medical, developmental, or disability-related challenges;

● Navigating personal medical challenges, disabilities, or significant life obstacles with strength, perseverance, and integrity;

● Experiencing financial or socioeconomic hardship, including growing up in a low-income household, while demonstrating responsibility, work ethic, and determination;

● Demonstrating a commitment to supporting women, children, or individuals with disabilities through service, leadership, or community involvement.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

● Consistent academic effort and responsibility, reflected through satisfactory grades and a commitment to learning (the highest GPA is not required);

● Involvement beyond the classroom, such as employment, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, leadership roles, caregiving responsibilities, or family support;

● Strong character and potential, including reliability, initiative, and a clear plan for continued education, training, or professional development.

Preference will be given to applicants who have balanced academic expectations with significant personal, family, or financial responsibilities, and who demonstrate compassion, leadership, and the potential to positively impact others.

Selection Process

The recipient will be selected by a committee established by the Wilcox family in collaboration with the school. Final determination will be made by the Wilcox family. The committee will consider recommendations from teachers, staff and/or the guidance counselor as part of the selection process.

Award Details

● Award Amount: $500

● Award Frequency: One or more scholarships may be awarded annually, based on available funding and recipient selection.

Award Recipients

● Class of 2026: Jayden Jackson & Javen Jackson

Why does a wedding venue have a scholarship?

At The Hillcrest Estate, we believe in celebrating life's milestones while investing in the future of our community and its next generation of leaders.