Decorah High School beginning a program to encourage community volunteering

Decorah HS students, teachers, administrators and community members participating in the Silver Cord program

Decorah High School is in the process of implementing a "Silver Cord Program" aimed at encouraging students to volunteer for community organizations.

Students who meet the standard of spending at least 50 hours a year volunteering will be recognized at future graduation ceremonies by being given a silver cord they can wear to the ceremony.  The Decorah Lions Club will pay the costs of the silver cords.

DHS Community Club sponsor Liz Fox says the program is a way to make volunteerism even more mainstream at the high school.  Principal Kim Sheppard says it's a way to reach a segment of high school students who haven't thought about volunteerism yet.

DHS student Lukas Phillips says the program is a way to teach students that volunteering is a good way to help a worthy cause and have fun at the same time.  Fellow DHS student Sam Iverson says the Silver Cord program will be a nice way of recognizing students who volunteer.

The program will be in operation starting this summer, so students can get credit for volunteering for organizations like the Cancer Society's Relay for Life.  A Facebook page will be set up.  The Dean of Students--when that position is filled--will be in charge of making sure participating organizations sign the necessary forms and that volunteer hours are tracked correctly.

Any organization that is interested in having Decorah High School volunteers should contact Liz Fox at liz.fox@decorah.k12.ia.us.