Benton Community Silver Cord Program

The Silver Cord program recognizes students for their community service and installs the importance of community services, character development and a personal investment to the community's future. It will promote community involvement and improvement. If students reach the required amount of hours, they will have the honor of wearing a Silver Cord at graduation to honor their achievements.

 How to start?

1. The Silver Cord program will begin the summer before their freshman year and ends the first Friday in May of senior year.
2. After each volunteer activity, fill out a service form.
3. Turn in your completed form with all required information and signatures to the Silver Cord Advisor (Mrs. Laurie Donald) within 30 days of service or fill out our online form. Any questions please contact Laurie Donald (ldonald@benton.k12.ia.us)
4. All hours are subject to review and will be approved by the Silver Cord Advisor and committee. Students need to accumulate 120 hours over their four year high school experience to receive the Silver Cord at graduation.
5. Students are asked to keep track of their own hours. The advisor and committee will record approved hours for final consideration.

Summer Service?

Some summer hours will count toward the program, but not all. The goal is to promote continuous volunteer service throughout the year, not just one summer. Since some students are busy during the school year and cannot find enough time to volunteer, there will be a maximum of 30 hours per summer accepted for summer service. Students will keep forms until school starts the following year.

Does work done through school for an organization count?

Volunteering done through a school group, club, or team may count for the Silver Cord as long as no school credit or grade is given.