Silver Cord

The Silver Cord of Service is a distinguished volunteer service award available to all PAC high school students. The purpose of the Silver Cord Service program is to instill within students the importance of community service and encourage them to invest in their own education and in their community on a regular basis during their high school years. Silver Cord  Service award recipients will receive a special honor cord to wear during graduation as recognition of their outstanding achievement.  PAC high school students who complete 100 hours of community service during their four years of high school with participation of 25 hours each year will be recognized. 

Service NOT recognized: 

• School activities such as; selling merchandise, homecoming events, music or athletic practices

• Work or babysitting for one’s family or any other family

• Service/time for which you are being financially reimbursed or compensated in any manner

• Travel time to and from the service site/activity

• Individual or personal services such as babysitting or peer tutoring

• Participation in self-improvement workshops and clinics

• Court-orders or disciplinary requirement

• Activities that are part of a PAC team, club, activity or course

• Hours may not be completed during their regular school day

• Silver Cord hours may not be directly involved with rituals, services, or ceremonies of any specific religion. Examples of invalid activities include, but are not limited to: singing in the choir, candle lighting, reading from religious texts, altar service, ushering, or passing out programs. 

Service must be performed through a nonprofit agency or affiliated organization.  It is the intent of the Silver Cord program hours be in direct service to others in need through local community service agencies and other outreach opportunities. Silver Cord hours must meet a clearly defined need for an agency, charity program, church, political agency, social service, group or community event.  Accepted religious activities include, but are not limited to: participating with Sunday/Wednesday school, Vacation Bible School, baby-sitting during religious services, working on sound crew, taking video of a service or mission trips. 

Silver Cord Community Service forms are available in the office or online. We will accept no more than 12 hours per day of an activity for Silver Cord and all hours must be submitted prior to the end of the school year in which they were completed. Service hours completed over the summer will be accepted beginning the summer after the completion of 8th grade. Students should contact the PAC high school counselor with questions regarding acceptable service activities.

You can pick up a log sheet in the office or print one from the link below. Complete log sheet and be sure to have adult verification (not a parent) sign. Forms must be turned in by April 30th each calendar year. 

Silver Cord Log Sheet  

Current Volunteer Opportunities (not limited to these)

• 1st grade Friends 6th & 8th periods Monday and Fridays, read with the students. Reach out to Mr. Nielsen for more information! 

• 1st grade Computer Science help during 7th period MWF! Reach out to Mr. Nielsen for more information. 

• HS Heroes! Students will mentor elementary students as needed. Reach out to Mrs. Maske for more information!

• Track Meets (as needed) If you are interested in helping out with field events, setting up hurdles, or setting up blocks please email Mr. Vorba which date(s) you are available to help with. 

• There is a need at St. Peters Church in Pocahontas for someone to be their Power Point presenter every Sunday at 9:00am! They would love to have the same person every week or two people to switch between. If you are interested, please contact LeAnn at 712-335-4201 at your earliest convenience.

• Interact Club - reach out to Mr. Schmitt for more information. 

• Mrs. Behrendsen is looking for help after school in the weightroom. Follow up with her for more information!

• The Pocahontas County Conservation needs some summer camp help! They need help with setting up games, supervision help for younger kids, and more! Please reach out to Adam for more details: 712-335-4395 or amann@pocahontascounty.iowa.gov