The Green Cord Program is an organization sponsored by the school to recognize students for their community service.

The program was set up so that students could get credit for the volunteer work they do. On graduation day, students wear every green cord they have earned throughout high school around their neck. Receiving a green cord establishes what that student has done to give back to their community.

“I started because I already had 25 hours from a mission trip and I joined Young Men Service League.” sophomore Eli Jay said. “Also, green cord will make me look better to colleges.”

People who participate in the Green Cord Program reach out to others in their community.

“I wanted to get involved with the community,” senior Owen Meachum said. “I like the feeling of doing something to positive to impact the surrounding area.”

To earn a green cord, students must complete no less than 100 community service hours. Being in charge of the program takes just as much hard work and devotion.

“I started doing Green Cord my sophomore year,” senior Kyle Riley said. “My junior year I moved up to assistant chairman, and this year I moved up to head chairman of the program. It’s work, but I love helping out my community.”

There are, however, restrictions on the type of volunteer work that counts for the hours. For example, babysitting hours are not accepted. In addition, 40 hours cannot be affiliated with MHS.

According to the McKinney High School website, “No form of fundraising will be accepted for green cord hours unless the fundraising was done to benefit a non-profit organization (Food Pantry, Red Cross, Etc.) and is not mandatory for your group or club.”

“I think everyone should try green cord,” sophomore Hollis Meachum said. “It’s a fun experience and you get to help out your community at the same time.”

For more information, visit www.mhsstuco.com.

Written by Lauren Anderson

Photo by Lauren Anderson