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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. Five hours of service from each student through the "Hands Full of Heart" program provides direct and indirect service to local service agencies. Second semester juniors complete a required service project in their Social Justice class. In another program, "Friends Across Generations" students regularly visit a senior citizen in the downtown community. There are trips to Mexico with "Los Embajadores" in the summer where students provide service. There's the Portland Plunge and many other opportunities during the year to help those in need, such as Christmas Baskets, Doernbecher Week, and weekly and quarterly 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.
Beginning this year, SMA will recognize 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.
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:
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