Humanitarian Distinction Award
Humanitarian Award Distinction:
The Humanitarian Award recognizes students who go beyond general community service and instead engage in humanitarian service by making a meaningful impact on individuals or groups facing significant hardship. While community service may include a wide range of volunteer activities, humanitarian work is distinguished by its focus on supporting those most in need—such as individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, or other forms of vulnerability.
Students earning this recognition actively engage with underserved communities in ways that promote dignity, compassion, and tangible change. Their efforts demonstrate not only a commitment to giving back, but also an understanding of the challenges faced by others and a willingness to respond with empathy and purpose.
This award honors service that is intentional, impactful, and centered on improving the lives of those who are less fortunate.
Student Awards
Who is eligible for the Humanitarian Distinction Award?
All students enrolled in Orchard Park High School are eligible to graduate with the Humanitarian Distinction Award. To earn the award, students must meet the requirements.
What are the qualifications for the Humanitarian Distinction Award?
Students must demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian service by volunteering with local not-for-profit organizations that support individuals or groups facing significant hardship. These may include people experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, disability, or other forms of need.
Humanitarian service is unpaid work that directly supports and uplifts those who are less fortunate. Placements should help build awareness of community challenges while making a meaningful and positive impact. This award recognizes service performed outside of the school hours that reflects empathy, responsibility, and a genuine effort to improve the lives of others.
What are acceptable placements for volunteering?
Volunteer hours must be completed with a not-for-profit organization whose mission aligns with humanitarian service. Opportunities can also be found through online searches, local organizations, and community postings. School service, religious education, or coaching opportunities do not count for the Humanitarian Award.
Students should join the Humanitarian Google Classroom for current opportunities.
The Google Classroom code: ztqpsn6
If there is an organization not listed here, students must receive approval from Mrs. Karalus/Ms. Adel in Room 257 before completing service hours.
Suggested organizations include:American Cancer Society
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center
Boy Scouts* Specific activities on preapproval
Buffalo City Mission
Buffalo Zoo
Catholic Charities
Chestnut Ridge Conservancy
Educational Outreach
Eight Days of Hope
EMT/EMS Firefighting through Volunteer Fire Departments
Feed More of W.N.Y. (To receive credit, it is required to work at Feed More under the direct supervision of an organization-appointed supervisor. Home-based services will not be accepted.)
4-H (paid membership required, must have a non-related supervisor)
Fish of East Aurora
Friends of the Night
Girl Scouts* Specific activities on preapproval
Grace Guest House
Habitat for Humanity
Heart Animal Rescue
Hearts for the Homeless
Hospice of Buffalo
Meals on Wheels
Messinger Woods
Ronald McDonald House
SABAH
Salvation Army
Seneca Street CDC (Must sign in upon arrival to get credit)
716 Squash
S.P.C.A. (To receive credit, it is required to work at the S.P.C.A. under the direct supervision of an organization-appointed supervisor. Home-based services will not be accepted.)
St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy
String Works
Teacher's Desk
Trusted gives
Unified activities
Volunteerwny.org
WNY Girls in Sport (United Way)
W.N.Y. Foster Closest
This is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether a placement qualifies, complete the approval form and submit it to Mrs. Karalus in Room 257. If you have any questions, you may direct them to Lkaralus@opschools.org or Radel@opschools.org.
How many hours are necessary for recognition?
● Gold Status: 200 hours over four years
● Silver Status: 100 hours over four years
● Bronze Status: 50 hours over four years
What are O.P.H.S. placement requirements?
- Follow all rules established by the organization.
- Represent Orchard Park High School in a positive manner.
- Arrive on time and dress appropriately.
- Perform the tasks assigned by the organization.
- Cell phones should be off unless required for volunteer responsibilities.
- Credit is awarded at the discretion of the volunteer coordinator and may be denied by the placement supervisor.
What is the procedure for completing humanitarian service?
- Print the Humanitarian Service Form from the OPHS website.
- Submit a form each time hours are completed.
- Turn in forms to Mrs. Karalus (Room 257) within one week of service. Late submissions may not receive credit. Only original paper forms will be accepted.
- Forms must be fully completed with all required signatures and contact information.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- Hours must be verified by a placement supervisor.
- A parent or relative may not serve as a supervisor.
- Home-based services will not be accepted.
- Service must be completed outside of school hours with a not-for-profit organization.
- Out-of-country service will be reviewed individually.
- Religious education classes, coaching, and school service do not count toward this distinction.
Important Notes
Incomplete or late forms will not be accepted. All service must be properly documented and verified to qualify for recognition.