National Volunteer Week, April 7-13, is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Southeast Polk is committed to community service and emphasizes service learning in and outside of the classroom through the Silver Cord Program at the High School.
Abbragale Blaine, Southeast Polk Senior, shared, “I decided at a young age that I wanted to help others and I vowed to myself that once I was able to drive I was going to volunteer. I have been fortunate enough to donate over 200 hours of my time from my sophomore year to halfway through my senior year to volunteering in the community.”
Over the past three years while volunteering Abbragale has worked three jobs, took accelerated high school classes, attended night class at DMACC, played High School sports for one year, and was the president of three clubs/organizations at one time.
The Southeast Polk High School Silver Cord Program was established to help students see the importance of community service, and encourage them to be accountable for investing in their own education and in their community on a regular basis during their high school career. This self-directed program recognizes students who give 150 hours of community service during their high school years. students volunteering 150 hours by April 30th of their senior year will have the distinct honor of wearing a silver cord during their graduation ceremony.
“This program has really helped open doors and opportunities that I never thought I would be able to experience and has given me a very wide range of experiences. Through this program, I have been able to make new friends, network and help with others, and talk with people who can help me in the future. I have actually kind of changed my career goals to be able to help more people and be more service focused,” Abbragale shared.
Valerie Powell, Gifted Education Counselor, shared, “The Silver Cord Program is a great way to recognize students who are dedicated to serving their community. We hope by having the program that it also encourages students to find ways to invest in their communities. On average, the program recognizes 50 students each year in the senior class. This would not include the students who do not submit hours for the recognition or the students who didn’t reach the minimum of 150 hours. Thus, we have a lot of great students learning the importance of volunteering.”
Current Volunteer Opportunities for Student
