Teens are learning about healthcare careers during a seven-week program at North Oaks Health.
North Oaks’ Junior Volunteer summer program started with orientation on June 2 with 54 teens, a 17% increase in participation over last year.
Catering to youth, ages 14 to 17, the seven-week program offers early exposure to healthcare careers while building practical skills in teamwork, communication and service. Through volunteerism, the students are able to explore career pathways while contributing to a setting focused on caring for others, a news release said.
Reflecting growing interest in the program and healthcare career exploration, this summer’s junior volunteers represent 19 Louisian high schools and seven parishes — East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Livingston, Orleans, Tangipahoa and St. Tammany. Participants also include students from a homeschool program and one high school in San Jose, California.
“Our summer program gives teens a meaningful introduction to the healthcare environment while helping them develop skills that will serve them throughout their education and future careers,” North Oaks Volunteer Services Manager Malissa Gonzalez said. “It is an opportunity to serve others, gain confidence and begin envisioning a path in healthcare or other service-driven professions.”
The program runs from June 8 to July 31 with students supporting departments across the health system and contributing to positive patient and visitor experiences.
The junior volunteers are: Ava Adu, Hammond High Magnet School; Lauren Alford, Oak Forest Academy; Jabari Aucoin, Ponchatoula High; Catherine Barron and Makiya Bedford, Hammond High Magnet School; Cade Bernier, Ponchatoula High; Ella Bourque, Springfield High; Robin Bruce, Denham Springs High; Joey Cocchiola, Albany High; Emmalean Cortez, Ponchatoula High; Zoey Davis, Holden High; Kate Dentro, Denham Springs High; Reign Dickerson and Jerica Dunnington, Hammond High Magnet; Sarah Espino, Ponchatoula High School; Edi Foster, homeschooled; and Khloe Golden, Denham Springs High.
Also, Dillon Gosserand, Catholic; Gracelyn Guillory, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High; Abigail Hager, Ponchatoula High; Lily Hamilton and Lucy Hamilton, homeschooled; Abigail Hymel, Denham Springs High; Xavier Jacobs, University Lab; Samaya Jackson, Ponchatoula High; Keegan Jones, St. Paul’s; Joan Joshua, Hammond High Magnet; Autumn Lloyd, Denham Springs High; Joshua McIntosh and Shelyia McKnight, Ponchatoula High; Alyssa Maryland, Hammond High Magnet; Celia Michel, Ponchatoula High; Demi Miller, Loranger High; Roni Miller, University View Academy; Tianna Miller, Ponchatoula High; and Jada Moore, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High.
Also, Noah Morgan, St. Thomas More; Bryce Moya, Oak Forest Academy; Camara Norman, Loranger High; Jimmy Nguyen and Za’Nysia Payne, Hammond High Magnet; Ava Phillips, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High; Aliza Queneshi, Leland High; Saahil Rab, Jesuit High; Jade Ramos, Walker High; Evelyn Reece, Slater Torah Academy; James Robertson, Ponchatoula High; Addisyn Rowell, Albany High; Alexus Schneider, Hammond High Magnet; Sam Solis, Mandeville High; Queen Varmall, Hammond High Magnet; Teagan Woods, Courtney Christian; Jae’da Wilson, Hammond High Magnet; and Mia Zheng, Ponchatoula.
For more information on volunteer opportunities for teens, students and adults, call North Oaks Volunteer Services at (985) 230-6811 or visit .