McLeod Health Dillon recently recognized 14 area teens for their participation in the 2023 Summer Teen Volunteer Program. During their summer vacation, the teens volunteered to work directly with hospital health care professionals for at least 20 hours per month gaining experience in a variety of health care occupations. The 2023 group of volunteers contributed a total of 562 hours of volunteer service. Candice Tyler, Service Excellence Process Manager and Teen Volunteer Coordinator, gave some brief information on the program’s origin. “The volunteer program began in 1988 as an idea to interest high school teens in health care careers. Offering teens an opportunity for “hands on” participation in a health care environment has always been the program’s objective.” “The teens worked in various areas of the hospital during the months of June, July and early August performing such tasks as transporting patients, answering phones, making patient charts, supporting outpatient department staff, and assisting with MyChart activation. Last, but not least, they brought lots of joy to our patients and staff with their friendly smiles and greetings. I have greatly enjoyed being the coordinator for this group of teens and look forward to next summer’s group,” said Candice. The teens participating in the 2023 Teen Volunteer Program were: Kinsley Henderson, Malia Moore, Malonia Moore, Macy Lee, Abby Hardin, Morgan Leonard, Mary Mussman, Daryn Ray, Haley Lewis, Ayden Jackson, Madison Wright, Greyson Williamson, Bryanna Grice and Jacob Edwards. (Contributed Photo)