JDGers at Newark High School learn how to archive with the Colonial Swedes. 

While community service is built into the curriculum at Newark High School, [JDG] students went beyond the call of duty this year.

Last month, the high school received the Visionary Award from Gov. John Carney for having the highest number of volunteer credit hours. The award recognizes Newark High School for having the highest amount of students complete the Delaware Volunteer Credit. Students who complete 90 hours of community service over two semesters are eligible to receive the credit.

Jim Schulte, coordinator for Jobs for Delaware Graduates, said that he is also proud of the students for giving back to the community. “I teach them appropriate job skills so when they do leave school, they have a vision in mind,” Schulte said.

Schulte said that his program currently has 138 students from Wilmington and Newark. Throughout this past year, they have done fundraising, created 75 art kits for the Early Learning Center at St. Anthony’s, planned 5Ks, participated in national initiatives like Relay for Life and Light the Night, collected clothes for a family whose home burned down, created a mural by the football field and more.

“We do so much stuff, it’s unreal,” he said. “Every Saturday from August to May, I’m out with the kids…I’m so proud every year how much community service we actually do.”

Schulte said the students dedicated their time volunteering to the memory of Tyrell Dixon, a rising Newark senior who died in a car crash last summer. “Tyrell volunteered all the time when he could at St. Anthony’s when he wasn’t working,“ Schulte said. Dixon would have been the leader of Delaware Career Association, a student-run JDG program, this year.

Students who complete Schulte’s four-year program, will average about 120 volunteer hours. Schulte also said the students’ volunteer work has been recognized throughout the years, including an honor from DuPont, an award from the Mayor Polly Sierer and recognition from Jobs for America’s Graduates.

“It’s something they can put on their resume. Even though they’re not getting paid for it, it’s work,” he said. “How many kids really have a lot of experience when they go looking for their first job? A lot of colleges and workplaces look at the community service. While they can teach you the hard and soft skills, they can’t teach you to give back.”