The objective of volunteerism and community service while at CCHS is to develop and instill a lifelong commitment to and responsibility for the needs and welfare of others and society as a whole. This commitment is its own reward. However, it is important that individual students and their peers appreciate the extraordinary efforts that many students make towards this responsibility of giving back. For this reason, there are many organizations within the communities of Concord and Carlisle who annually recognize individual students for various reasons. While the requirement for graduation from CCHS is 40 hours of service in 4 years, many students devote considerably more time, and it is important that students document and record this time, so that appropriate recognitions can be made. Below are some of the community service awards given annually.
President’s Volunteer Service Awards
Given by the President of the United States to recognize the best in American spirit and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation. Students are eligible for consideration for this award if they have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service over the course of any 12-month period, in 3 categories: Bronze for 100 to 174 hours of service in a 12 month period, Silver for 175 to 249 hours, and Gold for 250 or more hours. Any CCHS teacher or administrator may nominate a student, or a student may apply (President’s Volunteer Service Award Application).
The 2Volunteer Committee is the designated certifying organization and uses the following criteria in choosing recipients:
The impact the service has on others
How it may affect your personal growth and life choices
How it benefits the community both inside and outside of CCHS. .
FAQ’s about the President’s Volunteer Service Award:
Does the 12 month period have to begin in January and run through December? No, the service can be performed in any part of a calendar year and it does not have to be performed every month.
Do I have to have 100 hours? Yes, that is the minimum requirement to receive an Award.
How will the service be verified? You will need a contact name for each place you perform community service.
Do I have to do all my community service at the same place? No, definitely not. At 2Volunteer we feel that often there can be more meaningful experiences by interacting with many agencies and communities and by experiencing different volunteer opportunities.
If I miss the deadline of March 1, will I still be eligible? No, because nominations take some time to process so that they can be awarded at Spring Awards Night.
Is any CCHS student eligible? Yes, any student in any grade may be nominated.
When are Awards presented and must I be present to accept it? Awards are presented at both Awards Nights in the Spring, but you do not have to be present to accept the Award.
2008 President's Volunteer Service Award Recipients
2Volunteer was pleased to recommend 6 students for President's Volunteer Service Awards in 2008. The award winners are:
Brittany Fay (Class of 2008)
Samantha Adams (Class of 2009)
Lucas Prifti (Class of 2009)
Brian Ruhlman (Class of 2009)
Tara Krishna (Class of 2010)
Kathleen Orlando (Class of 2010)
Lucas received a Silver Award (175 to 250 hours of work) for volunteering at the Gatsal School in India, participating in everything from construction work to teaching English.
Samantha also received a Silver Award for a variety of volunteer jobs, including the Concord Housing Authority, Open Table, Concord Prison Outreach, the House of Hope, Young Neighbors in Action, and the Boston Rescue Mission.
Tara received a Silver Award for volunteer work at Emerson Umbrella, Junior Book Pals, Nature Conservation Foundation, and the Concord Middle School.
Brian received a Bronze Award (100 to 175 hours of work), for the second year in a row, for volunteer work with the Boston Rescue Mission, Young Neighbors in Action, and the Concord Recreation Department.
Brittany received a Bronze Award for her work at the Old Manse in Concord.
Kathleen received a Bronze Award for working with children at the Concord Recreation Department, the Concord Children's Center, and the Teen Buddy program.
Congratulations to all for a job well done.
President’s Volunteer Service Award Application
2007 President's Volunteer Service Award Recipients
At the 2007 Spring Awards Night, five CCHS students received President’s Volunteer Service Awards.
Megan Donelan, Class of 2007, received a Silver Award for over 200 hours of incredible work with Boston Book Pals. As the student coordinator for Jr. Book Pals she learned first hand the value reading has on a child's life. “The look of amazement on a child’s face as you turn the pages of a Curious George book is more than anyone can ask for…Sharing the gift of literacy is a joy that every child should be able to experience,” said Donelan in her application.
Bronze Awards were given to the following:
Sarah Robinson, Class of 2007, worked throughout the Concord and Carlisle communities with Kick Aids Foundation, coached middle school basketball and volunteered at “Be the Change” Challenge Day at CCHS this spring.
Duncan Shea, Class of 2007, worked with Access Sport America, teaching high-challenge sports to people with disabilities, and has made a personal commitment to continue to help those in need.
Stephan Wu, Class of 2008, volunteered at the Gleason Public Library, the Carlisle Council on Aging, the Acton Chinese Language School, and the CCHS Pep Band.
Brian Ruhlmann, Class of 2009, worked at two soup kitchens: the Boston Rescue Mission and St. John's Soup Kitchen, which feed the homeless and those from recovering alcohol and drug addictions. He also worked with under-privileged kids at a Worcester day camp, and supported seniors in Concord.
President’s Volunteer Service Award Application
Concord-Carlisle Community Chest Annual Service Awards
Given by the Chest to a few students who have demonstrated initiative and commitment to a volunteer project within the area of human services. The recipients are selected by the Community Chest Board of Directors. Available to all students at CCHS, and given at Awards Night.
Community Chest Application
Rotary Club International
Gives scholarships and awards to students who best exemplify the Rotary values of integrity, character, leadership, and service above self. Available to all students at CCHS, and awarded periodically at Rotary Club meetings.
CCHS Community Service Award Certificates
Awarded to students who have earned 100 or more hours of community service during their years at CCHS. Available to seniors at CCHS, and awarded at Awards Night.
CCHS Barbara Ramsey Award
Awarded to a graduating senior who best exemplifies a commitment to public service with special emphasis on service that promotes tolerance toward minority groups, that strengthens a free and open democratic process, and that supports social welfare programs that benefit economically disadvantaged families. Selected by the Senior Advisor and awarded at Awards Night.
Concord Recreation Department Maureen Taggert Award
Awarded to a student who best exemplifies an outstanding commitment to community service. The Recreation Department selects the recipient, and it is awarded at Awards Night.
