Diploma of Distinguished Community Service (DDCS)

Volunteerism is an important part of “becoming thoughtful, empathetic, and contributing members of a global society.” Therefore, Clinton High School highly values community service and offers a special distinction at graduation for students that complete and document the number of hours outlined below. Required forms can be found in the office, on the high school website, and via the provided QR code.

Students must complete 150 volunteer hours to earn this honor. This reflects the reinstatement of our traditional service expectation now that opportunities for community service have returned following the pandemic. All graduates are also expected to complete at least 10 hours of service before graduating.

Through volunteerism, we ask that students commit to one or two organizations that matter to you and in hopes that you may see the impact of your work over time. Therefore, 75% of students’ hours must be completed at the same one or two community agencies/organizations. In the past, our students have completed these hours through tutoring or volunteering at nursing homes, Hospice, the Kirkland Town Library, AYSO Soccer, the Historical Society, the Clinton Arena, the Refugee Center or as a volunteer firefighter/EM

The other 25% hours may be completed as short term engagements, with the goal of gaining a wide variety of experiences and providing help in the community where and when it is needed. In the past, students have completed these hours through occasional tutoring, by helping at sporting events or managing an athletic team, or participating in community events such as Clean Up Clinton Day.