Twin Cedars Junior-Senior High School Launches New Silver Cord Award Program
Twin Cedars Junior-Senior High School is proud to announce the launch of its new Silver Cord Award Program, a student-driven initiative designed to recognize and celebrate high school students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Students who successfully complete the required service hours throughout their high school careers will earn a silver honor cord to wear proudly at graduation in recognition of their dedication to giving back to the community.
Program Phasing and Hours Requirement
To allow current and incoming students time to accumulate service hours, the Silver Cord Program will follow a four-year phased implementation schedule based on graduation class:
Class of 2027: 25 volunteer hours required
Class of 2028: 50 volunteer hours required
Class of 2029: 75 volunteer hours required
Class of 2030 & Beyond: 100 volunteer hours required (across 4 years)
To ensure a broad range of community involvement, students can earn up to 20 credited hours per single volunteer experience.
How to Get Started: Guidelines & Next Steps
Participation in the Silver Cord Program is voluntary and managed by the student. Key operational guidelines include:
Pre-Approval Required: Before starting any project, students must submit a Pre-Approval Form to the school counselor. Please allow at least five business days for verification.
Adult Supervision: All volunteer work must be supervised by an adult employed by or officially recognized by the host organization (family members and peers cannot serve as supervisors).
Documentation: Students track their hours using the official documentation and reflection forms, which must be submitted to the school counselor on the first day of each month for ongoing work, or within 30 days of project completion.
Summer Volunteering: Summer service is allowed but requires pre-approval submitted two weeks before the end of the school year. (Note: Incoming freshmen cannot earn hours in the summer prior to 9th grade.)
For full program guidelines, pre-approval forms, and a list of qualifying service opportunities, visit the district website or contact the Twin Cedars School Counseling Office. Additional volunteer ideas can also be explored at Volunteer Iowa.