McLeod Medical Center Dillon recently recognized twenty-eight area teens for their participation in the 2016 Teen Summer Volunteer Program. A closing ceremony was held on August 10 at McLeod Dillon for the teens and their parents.
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 2016 group of volunteers contributed a total of 1181 hours of volunteer service.
Candice Tyler, RN, 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.”
Candice personally thanked the volunteers as they each received a certificate of appreciation.
“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 marketing projects. Last, but not least, they brought a lot 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 honored were: Madie Benton, Jua Myai Bethea, Kaleigh Caulder, Ariel Dutton, Erin Hamer, Kursten Hopkins, Regina Johnson, Gracie Kelly, Marnija Lewis, India Lockemy, William Lynn, Filiberton Mendoza, Haley Miller, Marquasia Mitchell, Madison Moody, Morgan Moody, Myers Hamer, Karina Patel, Johnna Rogers, Seth Rogers, Heather Stackhouse, Makinleigh Seals, Curry Stephens, Leah Stephens, Katie Taylor, Cameron Tyler, Allison Tyndall and Steele Willoughby.
Leah Stephens, having volunteered 100 hours, received a certificate of special recognition for most volunteer hours.
A certificate of excellence was presented to Erin Hamer (3 years), Filiberto Mendoza (3 years), Leah Stephens (3 years), Marquasia Mitchell (3 years) and Heather Stackhouse (4 years) for most volunteer years. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Candice encouraged all the teens to return for next year’s Summer Teen Volunteer Program.