Perry Local Schools has been recognized as a 2025 Gold Ribbon District in service-learning by Youth Service America (YSA). Only six schools in the nation have received this prestigious gold ribbon distinction, standing out as models of K-12 student empowerment, access, and long-term community engagement.
“I think we’re living in a time where service and career exploration sit right up alongside, not beneath, academics,” said Perry Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Betty Jo Malchesky. “This is the heart of student engagement - helping students understand who they’re becoming, why does learning matter, and ‘What does my community need from me?’”
Across all grade levels, Perry Schools demonstrate a deep integration of student voice and civic leadership. “With student-led initiatives that address food insecurity [and] sustainability, your students are not only learning, but also leading,” said Scott Ganske, Vice President of Education at YSA. “We commend the incredible team of educators and the students who are driving this impact. Their integration of service-learning across grade levels is an inspiration to other schools nationwide.”
The only school district recognized in the midwest United States, this national honor highlights Perry’s 25-year legacy of empowering students to lead service-learning projects that address real-world issues. Highlights of their programs include:
Food Insecurity: Perry’s students tackle hunger by collecting 1,239 cereal boxes for nonprofits, leading a weekend food program, organizing a drive that raised 3,013 pounds of food and $4,575, and preparing meals for local homeless shelters.
Student Driven Sustainability: Students at Perry Elementary School, Perry Middle School and Perry High School start seedlings each spring for the school garden, which provides 200+ pounds of fresh produce to local families in need.
Student Philanthropy & Leadership: From 1st graders supporting the Lake County Dog Shelter, to 5th graders donating cookies to 15 community organizations, to 6th graders collecting 153 pairs of eyeglasses for Medical Missions Outreach, — Perry students are changemakers. High school students also granted over $24,000 to nonprofits, with a student advisory board guiding district service strategy.
To learn more about the Gold Ribbon School honorees and the service-learning recognition program, visit www.YSA.org/education.
