A senior at the Scotland High School of Math, Science and Technology is this year's winner of the Dormegan / McLean Community Youth Service Award.

Walt Hughes, a tennis player, received the award at the 71st Laurinburg / Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce's annual membership meeting.

The award was created in 2000 in memory of Chris McLean and Josh Dormagen and is awarded to a deserving Scotland High School student or recent graduate that exemplifies a spirit of service, leadership and positive growth among their peers.

"It was a huge surprise, but I was really honored," Hughes said.

Hughes said he enjoys volunteering in the community and was glad it was the reason for his recognition.

The Scotland senior said he is involved in a number of service clubs.

"I am a member of the Key Club, the Interact Club and the Honors Society," Hughes said. "All three of those require service hours."

Besides his club memberships, he has represented the Fighting Scots on the tennis courts for the past four years, also participating in soccer and cross country.

He participated in Junior Leadership Scotland through the chamber and attended Governor's School at Meredith College over the summer.

Hughes said he wants to attend UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall, but has yet to find out if he was accepted. Meanwhile, the senior has received letters of acceptance from Clemson University and High Point University.

He said he hopes to study journalism if he attends Chapel Hill or Clemson, or architectural design at High Point or North Carolina State University.

He says he won't fret if he doesn't get into Carolina, however.

"I know I am going to college and that's a plus."

Andy Cagle sent a letter of recommendation to the nominating committee that illustrated his high opinion of Hughes.

"Over the past two years I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Walt Hughes and I can, without reservation, recommend this outstanding young man for the Dormegan / McLean Community Youth Service Award," the letter said. "In working with Walt through various school activities, I have always found him to be an affable young man who has always taken great strides to be of assistance to his classmates and peers. Walt’s academic acumen has earned him numerous recognitions, awards and a multitude of opportunities to continue his education after graduation from the Scotland High School of Math, Science and Technology.

"Academic achievement notwithstanding, Walt distinguishes himself from most of the high school students I have worked with in the past with his commitment to the service of others. Since middle school, Walt has made a commitment to helping the less fortunate and placing a high priority in his life on the needs of others. While maintaining outstanding grades and being active in a number of clubs, sports and leadership programs, Walt has found time over his school career to participate in mission trips, including a trip to Georgia as part of the Harvest for Hope program, where he helped clean corn fields to help fight hunger and to rural areas in the Appalachians where he helped build housing for poor families as part of the Appalachia Service Project. At home, Walt has participated in the Youth Service Fund Task Force, where he served as a district representative coordinating programs to help youths in the region.

"At an age when most students can not see beyond their immediate wants, Walt Hughes has made a commitment to the betterment of his community. For this, I can not think of a more deserving recipient of the Dormegan / McLean Community Youth Service Award."

Hughes may also be starting a new distinction at the awards – he is the second winner in his family.

His sister, Rachel Hughes, won the award in 2007 for her service as a Scotland High student.

Community service goes beyond Walt and Rachel Hughes. Their parents, Bear and Becca Hughes, are both well known for their participation in community organizations and events. Becca Hughes, a local insurance agent, is a member of the Laurinburg Rotary Club and the chamber of commerce while Bear Hughes, a local doctor, is a prominent member of the Laurinburg Optimist Club.

"I was fortunate enough to know Chris McLean and Josh Dormagen and I knew what great people they were," Becca Hughes said. "It is a great honor for my son to receive an award that was created in their memory ... It just makes it very personal when you know the people that the award was named for."

Walt Hughes wasn't the only community member recognized at the awards ceremony.

Mary Lou Dunsford was named the winner of the Dunbar / McCoy Quality of Life Award for her service in the community.

Her son, James Dunsford, wrote the letter nominating her.

"After a 30 year career throughout Scotland County and the last 18 years of her working career at Richmond Community College, Mary Lou has not stopped working," he wrote.

His letter sounded like a resume, detailing hours of work at the Helping Hand thrift store, participation in the Scotland County Cooperative Extension, work at St. Mary's Catholic Church and a host of other activities.

"It was kind of a surprise, but it is an honor," Mary Lou Dunsford said. "I enjoy working within the community and having known Mr. Dunbar many years ago, it really makes it extra special to me. I'm looking forward to many more events where I can help out the county and the community."

Dunsford said her son forgot to mention the work she did on a committee responsible for finding the funds for the new Richmond Community College building, an achievement close to her heart as she worked with the college for such a large portion of her life.

The chamber also recognized several of its members.

"We give out these awards each year to honor community members who give so much back to Scotland County with the Dunbar / McKoy and the Dormegan / McLean awards," Program Coordinator Matt Kendall said. "We also use this time at our annual meeting to honor some of our great chamber volunteers and members. That would be our volunteer of the year and our ambassador of the year."

Jennifer McArthur was named Volunteer of the Year and Mary Sue Rabon was named Ambassador of the Year.