Silver Cord Service Program

About the Program

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.

What Counts as Silver Cord Hours?

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 or Lisa.

  • 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

Documenting Hours

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. You can pick up forms in Miss Harle's room or link to it here. 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. Again, you can find this in Miss Harle's room or here.

Silver Cord Oportunities

The following organizations have contacted the school and are looking for volunteers:

  • ValleyVue Care Center - Danielle Tirevold, Activity Director, 712-864-3567