January 2026 Update

Dear NWCC family!

Happy New year! As we welcome 2026 - still very much in our wet season -I want to begin by sincerely thanking you for your continued engagement and support throughout last year. 

We are deeply grateful and excited to move forward together into this new year.

Our first meeting in 2026 is Jan. 10th Saturday at 5pm. (5-7pm).

Starting 2026, I am excited to share an update regarding how NWCC recognizes students’ volunteer service.

In the past, NWCC applied for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which was based on an honor system. 

As many families know, the PVSA program has been halted nationally, which unfortunately limited our students' opportunity to earn a nationally honored volunteer certification. 

To continue recognizing our students’ meaningful service in a clear, credible, and structured way, we now find a new, nationally recognized volunteer system.

It operates at the same level of rigor and credibility as previous national programs.

Over winter break, NWCC successfully completed the qualification process and is now officially registered as a non-profit organization authorized to earn and verify volunteer service hours. 

Here’s what this means for NWCC students:

• Official Verification: NWCC is qualified to track and verify students’ volunteer hours this year. (from Sep. 2025 to Aug. 2026)

• National Recognition: The award is recognized nationally and accepted by colleges and educational institutions as proof of verified volunteer service.

• Structured Awards: Students’ service is evaluated based on total hours contributed.

• NWCC‑Managed: All volunteer hours completed through NWCC programs will be tracked, verified, and submitted by NWCC to ensure proper recognition.

NWCC remains committed to our mission of “Bring Music and Education to All,” and we are proud to provide students with a meaningful and respected way to have their service recognized.

To help manage service hours, I will share each member’s earned volunteer hours at our upcoming meeting. We will also take time to brainstorm ways students can meet the required hours for this year’s award.

Below is additional information you may find helpful:

How are service hours verified?

NWCC maintains records of all student volunteer hours, including:

• Date of service

• Hours completed

• Type of service (music outreach, education, community events, etc.)

  
  

  This ensures all hours are accurately documented and eligible for national recognition.

  
  

What are the award levels?

Students are recognized based on the total number of verified service hours. Award levels match the thresholds previously used by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

*Hours are based on verified service completed within a 12-month period.

How will students receive the award?

• NWCC submits all verified hours for national recognition.

• Students receive an official certificate acknowledging their service.

• Certificates can be included in school records, college applications, or scholarship portfolios.

Is this award recognized by colleges?

Yes. The award is nationally recognized and accepted by colleges and educational institutions as a verified volunteer honor. It highlights meaningful service and dedication, just like previous national volunteer awards.

Who manages the process?

NWCC manages the entire award process — tracking, verification, and submission — so families and students can focus on meaningful volunteer service.