The Jobs Program at Midland School in Los Olivos has won a Communitas Excellence Award for its nomination Midland School Youth Learn Resilience and Teamwork.

Started in 2010 as an initiative of the Association of Marketing & Communications Professionals (AMCP), the Communitas Awards “is an international effort to recognize the spirit of communitas – people helping people.”

Midland School was recognized for excellence in the category 2.1 for an  organization’s specific program.
Midland School was recognized for excellence in the category 2.1 for an organization’s specific program. Credit: Courtesy photo

Nominees are judged based on the scope and effectiveness of programs, and winners include individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as global companies such as Toyota, Coca-Cola, and Barclays.

Award categories focus on community service and corporate social responsibility, including green initiatives. Midland has been awarded excellence in the category 2.1 for an  organization’s specific program.

“It is an honor to stand alongside other companies and non-profit organizations that are making a difference within their own communities, whether that be on a smaller scale like Midland or on a global scale,” Midland officials said.

“By recognizing individuals, organizations and companies for their volunteerism and socially responsible business practices, we are hoping to not only bring attention to great programs, but are working with community minded leaders to make the spirit of communitas an essential element of every business,” said Ed Dalheim, executive director of AMCP.

One of Midland’s core values is for students to learn a sense of “being of use” that demonstrates integrity, initiative and volunteerism, school officials said.

Since its founding 1932, Midland School’s mission has been to “provide a unique college prep boarding school experience to a diverse student body. Through study and work, it teaches the value of a lifetime of learning, self-reliance, simplicity, responsibility to community and the environment, and a love for the outdoors.”

Many of the original wooden structures were built by students, and it is still the case today that students run and power the school’s operations.

From kitchen chores, to collecting chicken eggs, to feeding and caring for horses, to cleaning the bathrooms, students are not only involved but leading the charge.

By the time Midland students are seniors (grade 12), they are running work crews and take responsibility for the smooth running of their areas.

Students learn responsibility, teamwork skills, and communication. Many alumni who speak with us about their Midland experience say the Jobs Program was the most impactful for real-life preparation. They learn how to be punctual; they learn that they matter.

Until recently, Midland’s showers were heated by wood fires called “fire showers.” If it was one’s job to start the fire shower, and they failed to do so, everyone would feel that in a very real way.

Similarly, if the dish house crew does not finish their work, there are no bowls to eat soup. The biggest benefit is what the students learn, how they know they are being of use, and they know they have a critical part in the community.