Celebrating the Dedication of Glen Cove Hospital’s Junior Volunteers: Honoring Over 4,000 Hours of Service and Awarding Scholarships

Glen Cove Hospital held a special celebration on Thursday, October 10th, to recognize the outstanding contributions of its summer student volunteers from Glen Cove High School, Friends Academy as well as their Adult and College Volunteers. Fourteen Glen Cove High School students were honored for their dedication and hard work in supporting patients, team members, and the Glen Cove Hospital community in completing over 100 hours of community service each.

The Junior Volunteer program, which started up again in 2022 following the COVID pandemic, began with just 5 student volunteers. This program has grown over the past 3 years to include 47 Junior Volunteers.The Volunteer Program offers a variety of opportunities to choose from the  main areas of the hospital while serving the community and to gaining experience in varied career opportunities within a hospital setting.

Hospital leadership praised the students for their invaluable role in helping fulfill Glen Cove Hospital’s mission of providing world-class care. In total, over 4,000 hours of community service have been completed since July 8, 2024 with over 400 documented comfort rounds completed. When asked what students learned this summer from volunteering at Glen Cove Hospital, one student shared, “Every job, every person, and every moment matters.” Another student shared, “Getting to learn so much about different techniques and practices and learning how doctors and nurses save peoples lives. I also love getting to help people, whether it was getting them something to drink, or a warm blanket.” Staff from the hospital shared, 'I admire the student volunteers' compassion and proactivity. They respond to call bells quickly and help with all the little things the patients need assistance with.” 

The event was attended by the volunteers, their families, and school administrators, making it a true community gathering. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of two $500 scholarships, both  awarded to Glen Cove High School Students Leila Cullen (Grade 12) and Ethan Arriagada Zapata (Grade 12). These scholarships, part of the hospital’s Junior Volunteer Auxiliary Scholarship Program, were given in recognition of the recipients' exceptional dedication and service during their time at Glen Cove Hospital.

The celebration not only recognized the volunteers' accomplishments but also highlighted the important role of youth in community service. As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of gratitude and pride for the volunteers' remarkable impact on the hospital and the wider Glen Cove community.

Glen Cove Hospital looks forward to continuing its Junior Volunteer Program next summer and supporting students as they develop valuable skills while making a meaningful difference.