Silver Cord Program at Waukee Northwest

The approximately 1,010 students currently in Waukee’s Silver Cord Program devote their time to community services and volunteer work in numerous organizations and events state and worldwide. Participants who complete the required number of hours are awarded a significant silver-colored cord to wear on their robe at their graduation ceremony, along with a certificate of their achievement. As of February 2022, 66 students at Waukee Northwest are Silver Cord recipients. 

The Silver Cord Program is native to Iowa, and the total number of required volunteer hours differs among school districts statewide. Waukee adopted the program back in the 2009-2010 school year, and the amount of participants within the program has dramatically increased since then. 

 A total of 175 volunteer hours are needed to receive a Silver Cord in the Waukee School District. Students may begin the program their freshman year, and those who complete the required Silver Cord hours before the end of April of their senior year earn their Silver Cord. 

Sarah Paulsen has been the Silver Cord supervisor in the Waukee School District for four years. Her job is to foresee students’ volunteer hours and promote volunteer opportunities for those in the program. “It’s a great way for kids to get involved in the community,” Paulsen said. Paulsen has two children currently involved in the program and kindly encourages everyone who can join to do so.

341 organizations have partnered up with Waukee’s Silver Cord program as of June 2021. These organizations range from local church-organized events to district volunteer opportunities such as the concession stands at school athletic events. Participants may choose to convert volunteer hours from organizations outside the state of Iowa or even the country. “There are very few limits as to who can participate and what students can volunteer in,” Paulsen said. “It’s something anyone can do regardless of skill sets and interest,” she added. 

Waukee Northwest senior Elsa Peterson and junior Jack Gearhart earned their Silver Cords in the summer of 2021. Peterson had volunteered all 175 of her Silver Cord hours at the Living History Farms in Urbandale, an organization that she cares deeply about. “I am very passionate about history,” she said. “It was awesome to dedicate time to something I love,” explained Peterson.

Gearhart had joined the program after following the footsteps of his older brother, who had also completed his Silver Cord. “The best part about the program is that you get to choose your own path,” Gearhart said. His favorite organization to volunteer at is the Science Center of Iowa, where he spent time working with young children. Both thoroughly enjoyed their time in the program, especially getting recognition for their devoted time in organizations. “To me, it shows my hard work and dedication,” Peterson said.

Throughout the Silver Cord Program, students are recognized for certain volunteer hour milestones they reach along the way. Students’ names are featured on the stories section of Waukee Community School District’s website and Waukee Community School affiliated social media sites at the end of each term when a student reaches 25, 50, 100, and 175 volunteer hours. Silver Cord participants are also recognized at their high school graduation ceremony and asked to stand up when called to; however, this practice has changed. “There’s too many [Silver Cord recipients] now that administrators do not read out all the names at the graduation ceremony anymore,” Paulsen exclaimed. 

The Silver Cord program is ultimately a great opportunity for high school students to get involved in one’s community and beyond.