The Jake Salley Alumni Service Award is presented annually to a Byrnes Scholar whose life and contributions characteristically reflect those of Jake Salley, a loyal Byrnes Scholar, a devoted family man and an inspiring educator who gave untiringly of himself to The Byrnes Scholars and to others until his untimely eath on December 4, 1979.
This portion of the program is when we remember 1949 Byrnes Scholar, Jake Salley. This award honors his contributions to our foundation and is presented to another deserving Byrnes Scholar Alumni who embodies and demonstrates the same commitment to service.
Jake Salley was a member of the original 1949 Byrnes Scholar class. He was known as a loving and devoted family man, an inspiring educator, and known for his untiring service to the foundation. Jake Salley performed unselfish and often unglamorous acts of service, most notably that of taking out the garbage. These tasks may sound trivial to some, but Jake Salley did them as an act of service, an act of love –without being asked and with a spirit of gratefulness for the opportunity to give back and help out those of our family who put in so much thought, time, and hard work to make our annual events possible.
This year’s Award Recipient is a person who leads by example, demonstrates dedication to this foundation, and exemplifies the spirit of Jake Salley.
At one previous Super Weekend, Rev. Hal Norton was talking about how the small things we do in life greatly impact those around us and he made the following statement, “Often, you do so much and know not that you have done at all.” I venture to say that this year’s Jake Salley Service Award recipient has no idea the impact she has had on those around her. She is dedicated to supporting our current scholars and younger alumni. She is always positive and uplifting to us –she’s open-minded and supportive. She shares honeyed treats with us, and can be found driving two hours one way to catch the bus for Super Weekend so she can fellowship with (and supervise) our current scholars on the way to the beach.
The 2026 Jake Salley Service Award Recipient is 1996 Byrnes Scholar Christy Moses. Congratulations, Christy! Thank you for all you do for us!