established YMCA program aimed at school-aged children had
it's roots in early YMCA youth programs. The term Hi-Y
was first officially used in 1927, but the YMCA had been
active with youths since the 1850s. Hi-Y stands for
High School YMCA and was for boys only. Tri-Hi-Y (the female
version) started soon after the Hi-Y program. "Tri" comes
from the Triangle Girls Clubs. Now the Hi-Y program is
Other programs, such as Jr. Hi-Y and Jr. Tri-Hi-Y (Junior High School ages), Gra-Y and Tri-Gra-Y (grade school ages) were also developed but no longer seem to exist.
The purpose of the Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y clubs are to CREATE, MAINTAIN and EXTEND to the fullest capacity of one’s ability, throughout the home, school and community, HIGH STANDARDS OF MORAL CHARACTER through improvement, brother/sisterhood, equality, and service in High Schools.
The Hi-Y pin was designed by a boy in one of the clubs. Hi-Y and Try-Hi-Y membership pins often have year pins or other guard pins attached.
1942 - special Hi-Y pin
Blue felt pennant with Hi-Y patch and lettering
Hi-Y Tie Clasp
The Tri-Hi-Y logo is a triangle with Tri-Hi-Y in the corners.
Within the triangle is a torch enclosed in a circle.
The triangle stands for the trinity in a person's personality --BODY, MIND and SPIRIT.
The circle stands for the completeness of a Spiritual filled life.
The torch is a symbol of the mission expressed in the Tri-Hi-Y purpose.
Just an example of the good works these groups do.