Service
“Lord, Thank you for the opportunities to be an instrument of your love. Through selfless service, I'm not discouraged by my smallness but strengthened by the knowledge that your love has no bounds. Thank you for the joy I find in losing myself in service to you and others, allowing me to experience your limitless love.”
(Prayer written by Annie Thompson, 2018-2019 Archbishop May Award Recipient)
Through the sharing of their time, talents and love, the students of St. Joseph's Academy graduate having served at least 151 community service hours. However, most students exceed this requirement as service "to the Dear Neighbor" becomes more of who our students are and less of a graduation obligation. We are reminded that "to whom much is given, from her much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of her they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48) We expect our students to make a profound impact by serving a world in need.
Community service has its origins in the school's mission statement as well as a mantra of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The mission statement of the school says, "Our community expects these young women to make a profound impact in the world" and the Sisters of St. Joseph want our girls to "serve a world in need." These statements motivate all our service endeavors.
Our service requirements are:
- Freshmen: perform a minimum of 12 hours throughout the year
- Sophomores: perform a minimum of 15 hours throughout the year
- Juniors: perform a minimum of 20 hours throughout the year
- Seniors: perform a minimum of 20 hours on their own, plus the Senior Service Project in May
Students track their own individual hours by using the Helper Helper app available through the App Store. All service must be completed, logged and validated for and by non-profit organizations or individuals who are not related to the student.
"Our community expects these young women to make a profound impact in the world."
Senior Service Projects
Senior Service Projects culminate the four years of service at St. Joseph’s Academy. These projects are scheduled at an approved agency for three weeks in May, and consist of a minimum of 84 hours. Seniors must verify and document the service with a personal journal and appropriate forms. In addition, the seniors must attend the mid-project evaluation meeting. The Senior Project must be completed to the satisfaction of the agency, the campus minister, and the administration.