Freshman Ava Dengler isn’t wasting any time getting started earning Silver Cord hours. Dengler participated in street cleaning on August 15th near Rib Crib at Tiffany Drive.
“From participating in Silver Cord hours, I’ve learned about how the earth is treated,” said Dengler. “It helped me understand what we do to our earth when we litter.”
The Silver Cord Service Program is celebrating its 20th year at MCHS. It’s an optional program that provides students with opportunities to volunteer and contribute to society. They also build their learning-based skills in the process.
“It is our belief that students who interact positively within their community not only will benefit the community but also will develop their own leadership and citizenship skills,” said Katie Arjes, administrative assistant for the counselor’s office.
Students are encouraged to complete 40 hours of service activities each school year.
“Seniors who have completed at least 160 hours of volunteer service over the course of their high school career are awarded a silver cord to wear at graduation and are recognized during commencement exercises,” said Arjes.
According to Arjes, last year, the class of 2024 completed nearly 4,000 service hours during their four years of high school, and 27 students earned their silver cord. That’s well above the 15-20 seniors who have traditionally earned the silver cord.
Senior Macy Schlitter is working on earning her Silver Cord for the 2025 graduation ceremony.
“I think the Silver Cord program is a super beneficial way for students to get out in the community and help out,” said Schlitter, “I learned that it’s super important to help out the community and there are so many different ways students can help out.”
Students can earn Silver Cord Hours in several ways including volunteering with community service organizations, helping senior citizens with yard work or household chores, coaching younger children in a sport or activity, volunteering for special events like Relay for Life, or helping with school events – like the Riverhawk Fanatics Shop.
“I think other students should participate in this,” said Dengler. “It also just makes you feel good knowing you were such a great help to others.”
