Service Hours

"...I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2: 18b

Although we firmly believe a person is justified by faith alone, we show our thankfulness for our salvation by what we do. To encourage students to reach out to those who are in need, Illinois Lutheran High School requires all students to perform service hours before graduation. Students beginning in 9th grade at ILHS must complete 40 hours of service. This amount is prorated for transfer students to be an average of 10 hours per year of attendance. The service hours are tracked in PowerSchool and recorded on the students' transcripts each year.

The ILHS service requirement is more than 10 years old and is a maturing requirement. We want to see students pushed out of their comfort zone as they assist those in need. Students have shown much imagination and incentive as they have participated in, or organized, projects to help people less fortunate than themselves. The general rule of thumb for service hours projects is to look to volunteer for organizations that aid others.

An exhaustive list of organizations and projects that qualify is not possible in this small space. Students and adults should check with the school service coordinator before expecting or promising service hours. Activities that have a direct benefit to Illinois Lutheran Schools or its students will not qualify for the graduation requirement. We obviously want to see our students participating in school events but with the understanding service hours are focused beyond themselves.

The service hours reporting form can be downloaded on the student form page. This form has places for the dates, organization and duties performed. Occasionally, the service hours will be verified with the organization.