Tweedie noted one student in particular who has logged in 755 hours during their four years at the school. "That's a school record," she said.
In order to help students decide how they wish to serve "the least favored," the school provides a host of service projects throughout the year. These are either direct, or face-to-face, service opportunities or indirect opportunities, such as fundraisers or food drives.
One of these direct service opportunities is the "Sunday Swim" program. Students partner with special needs children at an indoor swimming pool in North Reading and help them learn how to swim as three trained adult swim instructors provide lessons.
"The interaction of these students with the children with special needs has broken down barriers," Tweedie said.
She noted that, although students are only required to commit to a 10-week session, many Central Catholic High School students participate in the Sunday Swim all four years they are at the school.
Other service opportunities include such programs as "Catwalk 4Cancer," which this year raised over $21,000 for cancer research, and Marist Mentors, a student-run service organization that partners a mentor with a member of the Boys and Girls Club in Lawrence.
"It is a wonderful thing to see this large student body, with over 1300 students, get involved and to have a wide variety of activities that appeal to all," she said. "Everyone can find their niche."
"We have noticed that many students continue to serve because it helps them to figure out a lot about themselves," she continued. "After participating in a project that inspires them, they come back to the school feeling more energized and confident in the gifts they possess."