For a group of teens at Methodist Hospital, summer vacation may be ending, but the experiences that they have shared this summer are sure to last a lifetime.

This group of 82 dedicated high school students spent their summer volunteering at Methodist Hospital as members of the Blue J Auxiliary. “Our teen volunteers are very special people,” said Michael Boyd, director of volunteer services at Methodist Hospital. “They serve without pay, bringing extra personal attention, care and warmth that adds so much to the comfort and well-being of our patients. Their help allows our regular staff to concentrate on healing.” To serve as a Blue J, students must be age 15 or older, submit a letter of recommendation, and be able to work at least four hours a week throughout the summer.

Heather Zirkle, 16, is president of the Blue J’s. She is a good example of a dedicated teen volunteer. A Blue J since 2002, Heather has worked in almost all the volunteer service areas of the hospital. She enjoys delivering mail and flowers to patients as well as working at the Information Desk. Her favorite responsibility is escorting patients. “I really like escorting patients the most because it’s really nice to see the patients’ faces light up when I come into their rooms,” Zirkle said. “They know they are going home when they see me.”

According to research from ABC News, more than one in four teens nationwide does some type of volunteer work. Research confirms that teens who learn early to be social, caring and responsible perform better in school. Volunteering improves their chances of graduating at the top of their class, armed with critical leadership skills. Studies also show that teens who volunteer just two hours per week have higher self-esteem and more resiliency and are 50 percent less likely to smoke, drink, or take illegal drugs. In addition to these opportunities for personal growth, Methodist Hospital also offers a college scholarship program for Blue J’s who are pursuing careers in health care.

STORY IDEAS. A story on the Blue J’s will show one of the positive ways teens are contributing to our community.

Volunteer Focus. Heather Zirkle enjoys volunteering so much that in the last three years as a Blue J she has given more than 900 hours of service to the hospital. This summer, as president of the Blue J’s, she has recruited new members and was in charge of a fundraiser that generated $5,000 for the Jefferson C. Davis, M.D. Scholarship Fund. This fund provides college scholarship for select Blue J’s. Christie Necaise, Heather’s mom, says that the responsibility of serving as a Blue J has made Heather more compassionate and more mature. The commitment and discipline of her volunteer service also has helped her make better grades. Heather is an honor student in her junior year at O’Connor High School. Zirkle completes her summer volunteer hours this week. With advance notice, we would be glad to get up an interview with her. Media also are welcome to videotape and photograph her as she works in the hospital. If you would like to schedule an interview the week of August 9, we also have other teen volunteers who would make good stories.

Blue J Recognition Dinner on August 15. On Sunday, August 15, Methodist Healthcare will honor the Blue J’s at a recognition dinner. Blue J’s will receive service bars, which they proudly wear on their shirts, for each 50 hours of service. Many of the Blue J’s will be accompanied by their parents. The event will be at Oak Hills Country Club with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. With advance notice, media are welcome to cover the event. Michael Boyd and Heather Zirkle will be available for interviews.

If you are interested in doing a story on our teen volunteers, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488 (cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 917-7916 (pager). For media assistance during the weekend, please phone Methodist Hospital, 575-4000, and ask for the public relations representative on call.