DATE: Friday, May 23, 1997                  TAG: 9705220681

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: Lorraine Eaton

                                            LENGTH:   32 lines

350 SERVICE HOURS PAY OFF FOR STUDENT AND HOSPITALS

When Shevika Ward was a high school freshman and her peers were spending the summer at the beach, she was wheeling patients through the corridors of Lake Taylor Hospital. Later, when her friends were working summer jobs, Shevika continued as a hospital volunteer, spending summer days playing chess with patients and reading cards to elderly patients.

To graduate from Cape Henry Collegiate, Shevika had to complete 10 hours of community service work each year. Instead, the high school senior has volunteered nearly 350 hours at Lake Taylor Hospital and the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.

``Shevika is one of the few who has stayed with us for her entire (high school) years,'' said Martha M. Hall, director of volunteers at Lake Taylor Hospital. ``She has made a significant contribution to us.''

Shevika, 18, will enter Randolph-Macon Women's College in the fall and will major in pre-med and minor in psychology. Her goal is to become a doctor.

The volunteering has helped her in two ways. She's gained confidence by working at the hospitals and learned about her career. But she's also made a contribution to society.

``You help and you give back to your community,'' Shevika said. ``I like seeing a smile on (patients') faces. When you take the time, it really does make a difference.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Shevika Ward

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