Service Learning
What Is Service Learning?
Service Learning combines meaningful service to the community WITH curriculum-based learning.
Students earn hours for completing service projects that are part of the required curriculum during school hours in the following grades and/or courses: PASS will appear on the report card in high school when all 75 hours are completed. Students may count a maximum of 15 hours in sixth grade, 30 hours in seventh grade, 15 hours in eighth grade, and 15 hours in high school towards the 75 required hours. All extra hours will go towards a service-learning elective credit, which is optional.
| 6th | 7th | 8th | High School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | * | * | * | * |
| Science | * | * | * | * |
| Social Studies | * | * | * | * |
| Math | * | * | * | |
| Creative Arts/Health | * | * | * | * |
| Rocky Gap Outdoor School | * | |||
| Total Hours Required | 15 Hours | 30 Hours | 15 Hours | 15 Hours |
Service Stars
Each year, the high school Service-Learning Coordinators nominate a senior who has shown exemplary dedication to service within their school and community. Service Stars typically far exceed the district's service-learning graduation requirement and serve as excellent role models, going above and beyond in serving others.
2025 Service Stars
Harley Smith — Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE)
Harley Smith earned the distinguished title of Service Star for his outstanding commitment to volunteerism throughout his school career in Allegany County. Accumulating over 800 service-learning hours, Harley has consistently dedicated his time and energy to improving the lives of others. His efforts include tutoring fellow students, creating holiday cards for nursing home residents, distributing food boxes, and planting gardens with the Senior Center and Head Start programs — all while balancing college coursework and the demands of the P-TECH program. Harley's dedication to service makes him a true role model and a shining example of community leadership.
Lydia Spano — Fort Hill High School
Lydia J. Spano has many achievements as a student at Fort Hill High School. She graduated with a 4.32 GPA and the highest SAT score in the 2025 graduating class, an impressive 1310. She is a member of multiple honor societies and a recipient of the National First-Generation Recognition Program Award from the College Board. Academics are not her only strength: she was a four-year member of the award-winning Fort Hill marching band and color guard, demonstrating loyalty and commitment. She gives back to her school community and beyond, earning over 250 service-learning hours during high school, and is a founding member of Sentinel Support, a student-led organization that provides assistance to struggling students.
Zoe Zuzak — Mountain Ridge High School
Zoe stands out as an exceptional student whose dedication to service-learning reflects both leadership and compassion. As Miss Maryland's Teen, she has actively engaged in numerous community events, from parades to tree lightings, embodying a spirit of civic pride. Her commitment extends to volunteering with local churches; organizing and participating in impactful fundraisers like the Hooley Plunge and Deep Creek Dunk; and pioneering the innovative Sparking Science platform to promote STEM outreach. Zoe has also supported summer lunchbox programs for children, honored veterans through memorial ceremonies, and contributed her time to a range of events in Grantsville, MD. Her long-standing involvement with Oak Dale Church and her mentorship in the Diamonds dance clinics further highlight her passion for community and youth development.
Sara Schram — Allegany High School
Sara has been an active member of her school and community, contributing over 600 service hours. She has participated in the summer lunchbox program for several years. As a member of Students Helping Other People, she has assisted with blood drives and food drives, and as a member of Student Council she has served on the executive board and attended various workshops while representing Allegany High School.
Kara Kennell
Service Learning Coordinator
The Service-Learning Coordinator provides leadership in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, and strengthening the service-learning program for students starting in grade 6. The coordinator also serves as a resource for students, administrators, faculty, and community organizations, and acts as a liaison between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Allegany County Public Schools.