Service is a very important
part of what it means to be a student - and a graduate - at St. Mary's
Academy. The school's mission statement outlines a clear call to
service, with a special concern for the economically and emotionally
disadvantaged. Students start integrating service into their lives
here, making it a lifetime commitment.
There are a variety of service programs for
student participation. Each year, students dedicate two school days to
providing service to many agencies in the Portland metro area In the
spirit of community, students provide these days of service with their
TA. Seniors provide a day of service called Hands Full of Heart in
October and sophomores participate in Hands Full of Heart in May. At
the junior level, the service will occur during the second semester an
is coordinated through their Social Justice class. At the freshman
level, in the fall, students participate in an one day immersion
experience coordinated through their TA.
There are many other
opportunities during the year to help those in need, such as Christmas
Baskets, Doernbecher Week, rural and homeless immersions and weekly
service projects. Students may become involved in Campus Ministry and
Service (CMS) Team, planning service projects and encouraging their
classmates to join them in serving others.
SMA recognizes seniors who have
made extraordinary contributions to their community through service.
They will be presented with an honor cord at the student Academy
Awards Night and may wear this cord at graduation.
Service Cord Honor Program
Service Cord Honor Program Verification of Service Form
We consider it a
privilege to contribute to service through St. Mary's, and there are
many ways to participate. All members of the student body have an
opportunity to put their faith into action. Students are encouraged to
be socially aware and contributing members of society. Below are some
service ideas: