Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 6, 1995 TAG: 9511070006
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 17
School: Northside High School
Year: Senior
Name: Kelly Thorne
Age: 17
School: Cave Spring High School
Year: Senior
What they do: Amy and Kelly took the American Red Cross' certified baby-sitting instructor classes and are teaching other teen-agers to be responsible sitters.
Amy has volunteered at the local Red Cross' Roanoke Valley Chapter since the sixth grade. She started as a helper at the science museum in Roanoke, has volunteered for the AIDS Council, the Sisters in the Name of Love (an AIDS-awareness organization), started an AIDS-awareness committee at her high school and will be in charge of a peer education program on AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases through the Red Cross.
``I never even knew there was a World AIDS Day until I started working with the AIDS Council,'' she said. ``I enjoy dealing with the people. It's sad when they get sick and die, though.''
Kelly has volunteered at the Roanoke Valley's Red Cross chapter for three years, starting with office work, participating in mock alcohol disasters at area high schools and doing ``whatever someone needed.'' She was one of five high school students selected nationally by the Red Cross to travel to Washington, D.C., to help produce an AIDS video for middle school students.
Kelly, Amy and several other students ``decided that since the Red Cross had helped them become successful baby-sitting entrepreneurs when they were younger, they would take the additional training to become baby-sitting instructors themselves,'' wrote Terri Jones, director of communications for the Roanoke Red Cross chapter, in her nomination letter. ``They are now enthusiastic, energetic teachers, helping other teen-agers a few years younger to become responsible sitters.''
``When you teach baby-sitting, it's not a regular classroom environment,'' Amy said. ``You get to walk around and do things with the kids, especially once we start using the [anatomically correct] baby dolls. We teach them basic care, first aid, behavior and development, activities to do and even how to do a parent interview.
``It's important to set up guidelines [with the parents], get emergency information and talk about fees ahead of time.''
``A lot of kids don't think about knowing first aid when they go to baby-sit, but it's really important,'' Kelly said.
``These two young ladies are individuals who strive to be an active part of the solution,'' said Betty Whittaker, assistant director for health and safety at the Red Cross' Roanoke Valley Chapter. ``They are always willing to commit beyond the time they have available. They make sure what they do is to the best of their abilities, and they realize the importance of how the young child looks up to them and respects them as role models.
``They are not teen-agers who are absorbed in themselves.''
School activities: Kelly is in the Natural Helpers program, providing assistance and understanding to underclass students, is a member of the Key Club and tennis team, is a basketball cheerleader, has run track and been on Junior Council and is on Senior Council.
Amy is involved in the Upward Bound program at Hollins College, is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and tennis team and sings in the choir and vocal ensemble.
What they've learned: ``I've learned to be more patient with kids and handle all different ages,'' Kelly said.
``I handle little problems better. I've learned a lot from kids' reactions to things; it has an effect on things that happen to you.''
``I've learned responsibility for myself,'' Amy said. ``I've learned to take care of [the children] and myself better.''
``I love volunteering,'' Kelly said. ``It's so much fun, it's not like doing work. I think it helps you grow. It's like a personal satisfaction.''
Future plans: Amy hopes to attend college in North Carolina and major in communications and psychology.
Kelly will move to Ohio with her family at the end of the school year and hopes to major in communications at a college there.
Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and volunteering of their own choice. If part of a group, the teen must have initiated the activity.
Send in the teen's name, age, phone number, what they're doing, for how long, and how it has helped someone else. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o the Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010
This twice-monthly column spotlights a teen-ager who is using his or her own initiative to make a difference in our neighborhoods, schools and communities. We think they deserve a public thank-you for helping other people. Nominations are sent in by our readers (see guidelines below).
by CNB