“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” - William James
Message from the Principal
“The Principal's Service Award program is a great way for students to be recognized for giving back to the community. Carlmont students have a great sense of community and pride and it is important to acknowledge this. We are very proud of how students make a difference on a daily basis by volunteering their time for things they believe in.”
- Gay Buckland-Murray, Principal
Mission Statement
The Principal’s Service Award is a program that encourages students to actively participate in community service activities and experience the true value in giving back to others.
Program Description
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Principal’s Service Award program. The goal of this program is to encourage students to participate in community service activities that they enjoy and to experience the true value of giving back to others. Please read and use this
Principal's Service Award Submission Form due on the last day of April. If you have further questions whether your activity qualifies for the award, please contact ASB. Remember, this program is optional and the goal is to have FUN while giving back to your community.
Hour Requirements
Platinum Award: 200+ Hours
Gold Award: 100-199 Hours
Silver Award: 50-99 Hours
Bronze Award: 25-49 Hours
All hour requirements are cumulative for all four years of high school.
FAQ
What activities can I do?
Many volunteering activities can help you qualify for the award, including:
- Volunteering at a nonprofit organization, such as the SPCA, LifeMoves, or at a public library, etc.
- Participating in on-campus opportunities such as after school tutoring.
- Volunteering with an organized group, such as Scouts, Young Men’s Service League, National Charity League, Key Club, Interact etc.
- And more that fit the guidelines!
What activities are not allowed?
- Hours spent promoting a religion. Volunteering with members at your church to feed the homeless is okay as long as you are not actively promoting religion.
- Time spent benefitting for a for-profit organization
- Time spent while getting paid.
How can I get started? How do I submit hours?
All forms for the Principal’s Service Award are available on the Carlmont High School website (carlmonths.org) under the Student Life tab, under ASB. Please fill out the form agreeing to the guidelines and submit your hours at
Principal’s Service Award Submission Form. Your hours do not need to be submitted until your senior year. The early deadline will be in October so seniors can put the award on their college apps. The regular deadline is at the end of April. The official certificate will be given out at Senior Recognition Night.
Do summer hours or past volunteer events count?
Yes, as long as those hours were served while you were a student at Carlmont High School and your supervisor could verify your hours.
What is the purpose of the award?
The goal is to encourage students to participate in community service activities and experience the true value of giving back to others.
Is this a requirement at Carlmont?
No. This is completely optional.
If I’m already volunteering for my Girl Scout Award/Eagle Scout Service Project/Young Men’s Service League/National Charity League, can I count those hours towards the Principal’s Service Award?
Yes! The goal of the program is to encourage volunteering in an area you enjoy or want to learn more about. It’s great if you have already discovered something of interest and we want to recognize you!
What if I am in ASB and help set up for a volunteer activity? Do those hours count?
No. Hours spent on a school activity when you are receiving school credit do NOT count.
What if I tutor on campus or some other similar activity? Do those hours count?
Yes!
If I’m in charge of a club and we volunteer, do my hours planning an event count?
Yes. Hours spent directly planning and volunteering for an outreach effort can count. However, hours spent at a regular club meeting do not count.
When will I receive the award?
The awards are given to seniors at the Senior Recognition Night before Graduation. Please allow at least 1 month for the award to be reviewed and processed.
If I earn the Principal’s Service Award, for instance Gold, do I also receive the other awards?
No. You only receive the award that the maximum number of hours that you completed qualify for. For example, if you complete 100-199 hours, you will only receive the Gold award. To earn the award, you must complete the minimum number of community service hours to qualify for a level of the award. Bronze level: 25 hours. Silver level: 50 hours. Gold level: 100 hours. Platinum level: 200 hours.