Hospital honors young volunteers for outstanding service
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 1, 2004 2:05 AM
Wayne Memorial Hospital honored its "junior volunteers" recently for outstanding service this summer.
Donna Archer, director of volunteer services, said the 50 volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 18. They provided 2,649 hours of service during the seven-week program.
Five volunteers were recognized for outstanding service, two more than in past years because of exemplary performance in two categories.
The 2004 junior volunteer of the year award went to John Dougherty Jr., who returned to the program for the second year.
He served 122 hours in day surgery and contributed a total of 210 hours over the two years.
"Everyone who has met John has been impressed by his dedication and expertise," Ms. Archer said. She said according to his nomination, if there was one word to describe John, it would be "superior" in all categories.
"He is willing to and available for any task," she read. "He is very astute and a real pleasure to have in day surgery. We want him back every year."
The special recognition award, presented to a new volunteer who made a notable contribution of time and effort, went to Theresa Crowgey and Brittany Royall.
Ms. Crowgey served 123 hours in Wayne Action Teams for Community Health, the pharmacy, day surgery, and on the seventh floor, Ms. Archer said. Among the comments on her nomination were that she is punctual, self-motivated and was an excellent worker.
Ms. Royall served 74 hours in the areas of volunteer services and worked on the sixth floor. According to one nomination, she brought a lot of enthusiasm to her duties and exhibited professionalism and a desire to serve.
The service excellence award went to Maryanne Garris and Brittany Fultz.
The recipients of this award, said Ms. Archer, "have demonstrated extraordinary, all-important customer service skills and a strong desire to help their fellow man."
Ms. Garris worked in surgery and laundry, contributing 78 hours this summer. She was recognized in her nomination for showing professional concern for quality work while displaying an enthusiastic spirit.
Ms. Fultz worked in support services and on the seventh floor and volunteered 54 hours of her time.
"Brittany has worked with us for over two summers now," Ms. Archer said. "She is a ray of sunshine who has done an outstanding job."
Four volunteers received certificate for perfect attendance. They were Misti Cork, Kendra Graham, Danielle Freuler, and Brittany Wells.
Honorable mentions were also given to Stephanie Sauls, Kayce Brantham, Brittany Wells, Melissa Sheldon, Crystal Sasser, and Sarah Franklin.
Ms. Archer said for many of the volunteers, serving at the hospital was their first introduction to a work environment.
"Juniors come to us for many reasons," she said, "but mainly they are here exploring healthcare as a career option.
"We try to cultivate that interest which is vital to reinforcing a healthcare workforce for the future. Hopefully, juniors who were debating a healthcare career have finalized their decision."
She said the hospital staff benefited from having the youths working in 22 departments throughout Wayne Memorial.
"We certainly enjoyed having them around," she said. "They were productive and energetic in their 2,649 hours served."