ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, December 4, 1995               TAG: 9512060018
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER

A PAT ON THE BACK TO:

Name: Amy Jewell

Age: 15

School: PHHS

Grade: Sophomore

What she does: Amy is in her fourth year as a volunteer Candystriper at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She has helped the nurses on a patient floor, been a receptionist in the medical records department, worked in admitting, the geriartric unit, and the neurotrauma unit, where many critical patients are brought in, sometimes aboard the Lifeguard 10 helicopter.

She is currently helping out in the emergency room, making deliveries for the nurses, taking care of patients' non-medical needs and even entertaining the kids who come in or are in the waiting room.

``It's nothing like `ER' on TV,'' she said. ``We don't get emergencies in all the time, but it's amazing how fast the doctors get down here when we get a call. Everyone really hustles.

``I like working with the people and seeing what hospital work is like. People really like to see a Candystriper come into their room.''

Amy has also volunteered at the YMCA, working with the children.

``Cicely Mangus, former volunteer coordinator at the hospital, indicated to me that when a volunteer is needed, Amy is the one requested the most,'' wrote Gerri Walters, a business teacher at Patrick Henry High School, in her letter of nomination.

``Amy has been my student for two years,'' Walters said, ``and she has impressed me because of her dedication to the volunteer program and everything else she does. She is president of the Future Business Leaders of America here and is usually our club's top salesperson.

``She goes beyond what you would expect a student to do and she's only a sophomore. She always takes the initiative. [On a recent] night, some students brought dinner to the Ronald McDonald House. She engineered the whole thing, finding the best prices and even getting some food donated.

``You give her something to do and she does even more than you would expect.''

``Amy has volunteered more that 900 hours,'' said Peggy Crosson, director of volunteers andpatient services at the hospital. ``She is always positive, always goes the extra mile, is enthusiastic and has an infectious smile. People love to be around her.''

Why she does it: ``I think this helps prepare me for the future. If I didn't know what I wanted to be, this [hospital work] has helped me make a decision.''

School activities: Amy is president of the FBLA and has played clarinet in the band. Her real interest is in the business field, especially computer work. She recently won first place in a regional career manual competition and has won other trophies and awards, was recognized by the school's business department for her hard work and service and as the most dedicated member of the FBLA, and was nominated for the 1995 edition of ``Who's Who in American High Schools.''

Other activities: Amy is a member of her church youth group and helps out with the church's childrens program, including planning activities.

What she likes best: ``I like working with people in different environments. I've worked in a lot of departments at the hospital. If I had to choose, I would work in the ER. It's so fast-paced, I get to observe and also calm the patients, especially the kids.''

What's hardest: ``When I walk into a room and see a patient really hurting. It helps them a little when you let them know you care.

``When Lifeguard 10 comes in, and I stayed with the family in the waiting room. If a patient has died, I can't tell them or show any emotions.

``In the ER, we have to respect the confidentiality of patients. I talk with them and try to keep them calm.''

What she's learned: ``People have told me that I'm considerate and thoughtful. My supervisor has asked me to do a lot. Sometimes, she's told me, `You have to learn to say no.'

``I've learned if I push myself, I can do more than I thought I could.

``It's made me feel good inside that I helped someone who needed it [at the hospital and in the FBLA]. When a family member has died and I have to wait with the family, I've thought,`How do I deal with this situation?'.

``It's made me learn how to deal better with others.

``I've also learned not run into elevators with a wheelchair.''

Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and making a positive contribution to their school or community. Volunteer work is not a requirement.

Send in the teen's name, age, phone number, your name and phone number and what makes him or her outstanding and how it has helped someone else. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o 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).

LENGTH: Medium:   95 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Cindy Pinkston. Amy Jewell, 15, a sophomore at Patrick 
          Henry High School, volunteers as a Candystriper at Roanoke Memorial 
          Hospital. color.