Making a Difference: Glen Cove High School Students Celebrate Their Summer of Service at Glen Cove Hospital

(from left to right: Mia, Leila, Milaydi, Delmy, Emely)

This summer, 14 students from Glen Cove High School participated in the Northwell Glen Cove Hospital Junior Volunteers Academy which gave students first hand experience in patient care. The cohort included: Carolina Esposito, Mia Lupinski, Kimberly Reyes, Heather Alvarado, Elias Benitez, Emely Aguilar Martinez, Mia Mejia, Mayleen Chavez, Ella Wohltmann, Ethan Arriagada Zapata, Leila Cullen, Milaydi Martinez and Delmy Rodriguez.

The Junior Volunteer program, which started up again in 2022 following the COVID pandemic, began with just five student volunteers. This program has grown over the past three years to include 47 Junior Volunteers.The Volunteer Program offers a variety of opportunities within the main areas of the hospital , allowing students to serve the community and gain experience in various career paths.

Victoria Curtis, K-12 Coordinator of Science for Glen Cove City School District partnered with Emily Bashford, Senior Director of Patient & Customer Experience and Nicole Albanese, Patient Experience Team at Glen Cove Hospital to coordinate this year’s cohort of Junior Volunteers from Glen Cove High School. The process included screenings and interviews with over 60 students.

During a recognition event at Glen Cove Hospital, the 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.

Within the hospital, students were also part of the Hispanic Navigators program, which is a group the hospital created to improve the representation of Hispanic patients.

Glen Cove High School and 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.