The Silver Cord Service Program was developed to encourage students to become contributing citizens of their communities and the world. Seniors who have documented 120+ hours of volunteer work during their high school years will receive a silver cord and be recognized at graduation.
Through volunteering, students help their communities and other people while also helping themselves. When students volunteer in their communities, they help make the communities better places to live by contributing to projects, providing services, building relationships, serving as role models, etc. Not only do these activities help the community, but they can also help students explore different interests and potential career options. Helping others makes people feel good about themselves. And it also looks really appealing on college, scholarship, and job applications/resumes.
There are many things that you can do that meet the requirements for this service program - mostly things that you do not get paid for and are not expected of you. Some examples follow although this is not an exhaustive list. If you have questions about whether something qualifies as Silver Cord hours, you can contact Miss Harle.
Volunteering for community organizations
Reading to the elderly
Assisting elderly community members with household chores
Volunteering for church projects and teaching Sunday School or Bible School
Helping improve school grounds
Shoveling sidewalks/raking for the elderly
Cleaning ditches on highways
Volunteering to work at community events (town Halloween party, Santa Days etc.)
Assisting at a hospital, shelter, day care, nursing home, etc.
Beautifying community property (main street, parks, etc.)
Volunteering time for school sponsored activities (statistician, stage manager, etc. - not something you can letter in)
Big Brother/Big Sister/Y Pals
Volunteering at blood drives
Volunteering for senior citizens
Volunteering to help coach younger children in sports, etc.
Volunteer runner for middle school or high school track meets
Volunteer counselor at a camp
Making holiday gift boxes
Buddy Reading Program
The following would NOT be acceptable Silver Cord hours
Doing chores at home
Attending church and Sunday School
Babysitting for a younger sibling
Working on the farm
Completing ANY task for which you receive money
Doing extra credit homework
Doing extra curricular activities (sports, music, etc.)
Court ordered community service tasks
Tasks assigned as a disciplinary action
Visiting an elderly relative with your family
Working at class suppers
In order to get credit for Silver Cord hours, you must fill out a form that requires a little bit of reflection by you and the signature of the supervising community member. It is also a good idea to keep a log of your hours, so you can keep track of your progress toward 120 hours and as a record to refer back to when filling out applications in the future. You can find the sheets and logs in Miss Harle's room or below.
The following organizations have contacted the school and are looking for volunteers:
ValleyVue Care Center - Danielle Nicoson, Activity Director, 712-864-3567