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Earn Your Silver Cord!
Who is Eligible?
All North High students who would like to help the community and others.
How do I qualify to receive the Silver Cord for Graduation?
Students must complete a minimum of forty hours of committee-approved community service in their sophomore, junior and senior years at North High School. You cannot average 40 hours over the three-year span; forty hours must be completed within each school year. Our goal is to instill the idea of community service as a life-long pursuit. If students successfully complete the number of hours necessary they will receive a silver cord to wear at commencement similar to the gold cords worn by academic award winners.
Important Details:
Documentation: Students MUST document all service activities on the Silver Cord Award Form provided by North High – one form for each site or project, signed by a supervisor at the site. (A note confirming the students’ service signed by the supervisor at the project is also acceptable. It must be attached to the Silver Cord Form). Forms can be submitted to Ms. Ruhrer at North High School at any time during the year. For sophomores and juniors: if you don’t turn in forms by the end of the school year, you may submit them at any time during the following fall. There is no specific deadline for underclassmen to submit forms, although it is best to turn them in as soon as they are completed. Seniors should submit all Silver Cord forms by May 2nd of senior year. Forms may be picked up from the office or can be printed using the links below.
Summer Service: Service hours earned during the summer after the academic year may be applied toward EITHER the prior or following year – student’s choice. (For example, the summer after the sophomore year can apply toward either the sophomore or junior 40 hour requirement or divided between the two as needed). It is recommended that all summer projects be pre-approved in writing by a principal to make sure they are acceptable. Summer service that complies with the Silver Cord criteria will be accepted even if students were not able to submit pre-approval forms. Students should pick up blank Silver Cord Award forms before the end of school to use for documentation summer service. Please keep completed forms until you return to North in the fall. The Silver Cord Adviser will be responsible for keeping students’ Silver Cord files.
Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:
Acceptable service activities: Silver Cord hours must be for providing a SERVICE or meeting a clear NEED for a non-profit agency, church, school, park, charity program, fundraiser or community event. The service should be “above and beyond” one’s usual scope of involvement and could be part of required service for a program such as Scouts or religious education. While some organizations meet during the school day, only hours outside of school time could be applied to Silver Cord service. If there is any question about whether a specific volunteer experience meets the criteria of “providing service” or “meeting a need” students should get prior approval from the Silver Cord Committee by submitting a pre-approval form. The Silver Cord Review Committee makes final determinations regarding service.
Organizations/Activities that have been approved:
- Blood Bank/Blood Drives
- Food Bank
- United Way
- Gospel Mission
- Friendship Connections
- Beyond The Bell
- Goodwill
- Watchful Eye Foundation
- Local church activities
- YMCA
- Red Cross
- Peer Tutoring/Extended Day
- S.T.A.R.S
- Humane Society
- Head Start
- Local medical centers
- Retirement Homes
- Salvation Army
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Habitat for Humanity
- Special Olympics
- Ronald McDonald House
- Junior League
- American Heart Association
- Art Splash
- Ragbrai
- Mid-Steps Service
- Santa House
- Political Organizations or Candidates
Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:
Silver Cord hours CANNOT BE for a relative, or for pay or compensation of any kind. Other activities that would not be acceptable: NHS sports team managing, training or event timing or administration; most NHS music program events; concession stand or fundraising events in which proceeds benefit an NHS program; serving as a camp counselor while receiving free room and board (some exceptions made for camps for children with disabilities); performing in a musical, dance, or theater group unless related to a social cause or charity benefit; participation on committees in which the focus is on one’s own leadership development and does not include outreach to the larger community. Court-ordered community service hours are not eligible.