21 junior summer volunteers at McLeod Health Clarendon recognized

Early this month, teenagers who volunteered more than a thousand hours at McLeod Health Clarendon through a summer program were recognized for their participation.

On Aug. 9, 21 teens who volunteered 1,506 hours combined throughout the hospital were honored for their efforts as part of McLeod Health Clarendon's sixth-annual 11-week Teen Summer Volunteer Program. An appreciation dinner was held at the hospital to recognize the "Junior Volunteers" for their hard work and dedication throughout the program.

"Their countless hours of service made a difference in the lives of our patients, families, visitors and hospital staff," said Stacy Mosier, volunteer services coordinator, in a news release. "I have been overwhelmed by their dedication, their desire to make a difference and their willingness to give back to their community."

The summer program started in 2019 to give young teens the opportunity to volunteer and work directly with hospital health care professionals for at least 20 hours a month. The program was a way for participants to gain experience in a variety of health care occupations like patient registration, rehab services, wound care, medical surgical nursing unit, informatics, women's services and the gift shop, according to a news release.

"For 11 weeks, I had the opportunity to work with 21 incredibly committed junior volunteers," Mosier said. "This impressive group of young people made a significant contribution to our hospital in such a short time."

At the end of the dinner, Mosier encouraged all the teenagers to return for next year's summer program.

This year's program junior volunteers were Anna Alan, Jordan Baker, Sara Burt, Sharmisha Coney, Morgan Conklin, Haley Cruse, Emily Edwards, Madelyn Endicott, Jackson English, Gabby Fleming, Rylee Gladden, Hailey Lynch, Campbell McInnis, Millie Morris, Elizabeth Nesbitt, Ellie Peterson, Grace Peterson, Kelis Pressley, Rylie Rowell, Saralynn Spivey and Ansley Welch.

Information for next year's summer program will be sent out in May 2023. Teenagers interested in the program must be at least 14 years old with a B average or higher in school, have their parents' consent and encouragement and a letter of recommendation from a school guidance counselor, school teacher or pastor.