Program Coordinator: Mrs. Debbie Jarosz

Lake Catholic strives to educate the whole person intellectually, spiritually, and physically. As active members of a vibrant community, our students develop an awareness of their responsibility to use their gifts and talents for the greater good in our society. We are proud that, along with academic excellence, service is an integral part of the mission of Lake Catholic High School. Our Service Program instills and encourages a spirit of respect and compassion that prompts students to expand their willingness to serve. This 'attitude of service' provides our students with opportunities to fully live the Gospel message and to express their faith and education through action.

Information
The Lake Catholic Mission Statement is expressed through community service, putting our students' commitment to excellence and willingness to serve into action. Academic advancement and faith development are extended from the formal classroom into practical experiences in the greater community.

An overwhelming majority of Lake Catholic Students achieve well above our community service standard, earning additional recognition through National Honor Society, Graduation Service Cord Achievement, and Presidential National Student Service Award Programs.

The Lake Catholic graduating class of 2011 performed over 20,000hours of service throughout their high school career, making a significant and positive difference in our greater community.

Lake Catholic Students serve in a variety of settings and through diverse organizations across our greater community. Some examples: Lake Metroparks, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Lake Hospital Systems, St. Augustine Hunger Center, American Red Cross, Lake County Big Brother/Big Sister, New Avenues for Independence (Broadmoor), Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Food Bank, Local Fire Explorers' Posts, Project Hope, Lake County Board of DD Deepwood, area parishes etc.

Some signature service events are core activities in our Lake Catholic tradition. Our seniors participate in an annual Thanksgiving Day of Service, volunteering at more than 20 sites around the greater Cleveland area for the entire day. The Annual Christmas Party for our Broadmoor Friends in our gym includes games, crafts, a visit from Santa, and refreshments. Meal Ministry organizes the preparation and delivery of hot meals and packed lunches for local shelters. The Cougar-to-Cougar Initiative gives our students the opportunity to interact with St. Thomas Aquinas School in Cleveland in an array of experiences ranging from tutoring and after-school care activities to musical/theater presentations and prayers services. The list is always growing and changing!

Click here to find out how you can find a volunteer service position.
Click here to access contact names of many of the service organizations.
Click here for the documentation form.

Program Requirements
Willingness to serve is an integral part of our Lake Catholic mission. The Lake Catholic service requirements are designed to foster a spirit of volunteerism that students will continue long after graduation. Embracing the practice of giving and helping is the true spirit of service. It is in giving that we receive. The completion of 40 hours of volunteer service by the end of grade 11 is an important part of every student's graduation requirement. Because each student's ervice career at Lake Catholic will be enhanced by a variety of different experiences, we require that students serve at no less than two different sites during their high school years. Students may begin accumulating hours as of May 1 of their eighth grade year. All extra hours completed by seniors must be documented and turned in by March 1 of the senior year in order for a student to be considered for service awards at graduation.

Requirements for Service Awards and National Honor Society
Service Cord is awarded to students who have completed an additional 40 hours beyond the requirement (80 hours total). Additional hours may be earned at any time during your high school career.

U.S. Presidential Service Award is awarded to students who earn 100 or more service hours including the requirement in a period of 12 consecutive months. Students are responsible for the initiation of the application online at presidentialserviceawards.gov. Directions for application are located on the service table.

NHS requires 20 additional hours per year to the requirement. A total of 30 hours must be documented at the time you apply for NHS membership.

The Service Office
The Service Office is located in the library near the writing lab. The service table, where you will find service opportunities and all service forms, is located there also. Each time you complete a service project you must fill out a documentation form, which will be filed in the Service Office. Click here for the documentation form.

All required service hours must be completed and documented by May 1. Any hours documented after that date will be counted for the next school year. It is highly recommended that you complete at least 20 hours of service by the end of your sophomore year. Additional hours for service may be earned up to March 1 of a student's senior year.