Community Service
It is believed that serving the community in some capacity makes students more informed and engaged citizens. Therefore, one of the academy requirements is volunteerism.
All academy students must complete 200 hours of community service during the four years they are in the program. Students should complete 50 hours each year to ensure completing the 200 hours by graduation. The grade for community service is applied to the student’s social studies grade.
Students are to keep a log of their hours and to have the representative of the organization sign off on the appropriate form in order to get community service credit. Students are to turn in their forms to the academy coordinator the first day of school in September each school year.
Student may choose from a wide variety of community services. An extensive list can be found on the FC Web Site.
Community Forms can be obtained in the foyer of the Academy office.
Community Service Opportunities
A Dolphin’s Promise has two events coming up in which volunteer assistance is needed.
May 10th: Light up the Night is a celebration in honor of National Livestrong Day. Individuals can sponsor a luminary in honor of or in memory of someone who has been affected by cancer. The luminaries will line the beach at sunset in Sandbridge. The walk begins at 7:00 p.m. and continues until 9. Community service will be awarded to students who sign up to help as well as those who participate in the walk.
May 10th: Run/Walk for the Dolphins in Sandbridge at Little Island Park. The run begins at 6:00 a.m. Parking lot opens at 5:30 a.m. Specifics about what type of help is needed, as well as a sign up sheet will be in the LSA office.
St. Gregory the Great will be holding its annual Spring Fest May 16-18. Student volunteers are needed assisting with the set up and operation of various carnival games. A sign up sheet is available in the LSA office for various shifts throughout the event.
The Salvation Army Christmas Depot Distribution Center is being housed in the old HQ store at Pembroke behind Fuddruckers. Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:
Monday-Friday: 8 am-12:30 pm and 1 pm -5 pm.
Saturday: 9 am -1 pm
Contact Shelby Moore at 543-8100, ext. 106 to set up a schedule.
Volunteers are needed to assist with a Recycling effort at Windsor Woods Elementary School. Cans are dropped off at the school on certain dates. Volunteers are needed to assist with the drop offs. The dates are November 17, January 26, April 5, May 31, and July 26. Students report to Windsor Woods ES, in the bus lane at 9;00 am. The work usually lasts until 3:00.
The City of Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission: sponsors many events such as Clean the Bay Day, Earth Day, and the Helping Hands program. Contact them at 385-4104 or vbclean@vbgov.com to inquire about opportunities.
St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children: Contact Nichole Hoskins (Recreational Therapist) at 622-2208, Ext. 351 or nhoskins@smhdc.org
Hope House Foundation: provides supported living services to adults with developmental disabilities; They are seeking student volunteers to help with their thrift shop. Contact Stephanie Knowles at 625-6161, Ext. 24 or sknowles@hope-house.org
Stand up for Kids: Contact 567-9888
The Central Library is in need of volunteers. Interested students should contact Ilene Snyder at 385-0109.
The City of Virginia Beach has partnered with the Lance Armstrong foundation to initiate a sculpture project. Dolphin sculptures are being created and will be placed throughout Virginia Beach, similar to the mermaids in Norfolk. One of our LSA students is very active in volunteering for this project. If any students are interested in this opportunity they may contact Alex Benshoff at 348-0660.
