Community Service

As an Episcopal school, Saint Mary’s School seeks to graduate compassionate servant-leaders who are committed to upholding the dignity of all people and the worth of the natural world through acts of humble service. Students will have numerous and varied opportunities for community service throughout their time at Saint Mary’s. Each student entering Saint Mary’s as a 9th or 10th grader must fulfill a specific community service requirement by the end of their sophomore year. Guidelines are below; any questions should be directed to the Chaplain, who coordinates the community service program. Older students are not required to complete a certain number of hours, but are encouraged to participate with enthusiasm!

• Students entering Saint Mary’s as 9th graders must complete 20 hours of acceptable community service by the end of their sophomore year.

• Students entering Saint Mary’s as 10th graders must complete 10 hours of acceptable community service by the end of their sophomore year.

• Students entering Saint Mary’s at any point during their 9th or 10th grade year (i.e. after the first semester has begun) will have their number of required hours adjusted accordingly.

• At least half of a student’s required service hours must be completed via school-sponsored opportunities, while the remainder may be completed through outside organizations. School-sponsored opportunities include weekly Saturday service projects, activities organized by the Service League and other clubs on campus, and volunteering in Kenan Library or the community garden.

• Service hours completed during summer break will not be counted toward the community service requirement. Eligible service hours must be completed during the academic year (mid-August to late May).

• Involvement in partisan political activities is not eligible community service; however non-partisan activities and/or advocacy may be eligible (i.e. campaigning for a particular candidate or making calls on behalf of a political party is not eligible, but assisting with non-partisan voter registration drives or raising awareness on a particular issue of public interest is eligible).

• Service hours completed through Saint Mary’s should be reported to the Chaplain by the faculty or staff member supervising the activity. Service hours completed through outside organizations may be reported by completing and submitting the Community Service Reporting Form (available on the Student Portal and outside the Chaplain’s office).

• Students who fail to meet their community service requirement by the end of their sophomore year will be ineligible to hold any leadership positions, and may have other privileges revoked, until they successfully complete their required service hours.

In addition to the regular service requirement, Saint Mary’s School is a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This nationwide program, established in 2003, recognizes exceptionally dedicated volunteers. Students who serve and submit a certain number of service hours in a 12-month period (May 1 to April 30) will be eligible for one of the following awards based on hours served. Participation is open to all American citizens. Saint Mary’s will also offer an equivalent, in-house award for any non-citizens who otherwise meet all program requirements. Special rules and guidelines for the PVSA can be found at presidentialserviceawards.gov, and interested students should speak with the Chaplain.