Mr. Earl Wyman owned a piece of property in Ocean Springs and contacted then CEO David Harris about donating it to the YMCA. “We started talking and got to know each other. I told him about the Y and some of the things we were trying to do here for the young people of the Coast” said Harris. “He liked what he heard.” Although the two never got to meet in person, they maintained a relationship through phone calls and correspondence which lasted many years.
Years later, Wyman had an idea for another way he could help the YMCA and area youth. He drew up the plan and qualifications for The Earl Wyman Performance Achievement Award – the same criteria that are still used today. The winner must be between fifteen and eighteen years of age, a full-time student, and must be involved in a program or organization that benefits the community. Each applicant for the award must also complete a questionnaire covering topics such as academic achievements, moral achievements, community service and life goals. Mr. Wyman ultimately set up an endowment for the scholarship program, which has enabled his vision of helping youth to continue, even after his death.
Applications are being taken now for The Earl Wyman Performance Achievement Award. Questionnaires may be picked up at the Blossman Family YMCA Member Services office at 1810 Government Street in Ocean Springs or downloaded from the YMCA’s website at msgulfcoast-ymca.org. Once completed, the application needs to be turned in by October 30th to Heather Roll, Administrative Assistant. All youth between the ages of 15 and 18 are encouraged to apply. Call the YMCA at 875-5050 for more information or visit the website.
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