KMC volunteer loves to help others
<p>GABE GREEN/Press Kootenai Medical Center Volunteer Jennifer Brooks, from right, sits with fellow volunteers Brenna Petley and Megan Kobrick Monday morning as Brooks is honored as junior volunteer of the year by the Idaho Hospital Association.</p>
Kootenai Health teen volunteer Jennifer Brooks, was named Junior Volunteer of the Year by the Idaho Hospital Association for 2011.
A Lake City High School graduate, Brooks has dedicated more than 900 hours to the hospital and community during her five years of service. Brooks worked in various departments throughout the hospital helping both patients and staff. She plans to attend Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., this fall.
"What I think sets Jenny apart from other teens is her incredible dedication to service," said Sarah Nielsen, director of volunteer services. "She always shows up with a smile on her face, ready to face any challenges."
Volunteering isn't the only activity in which Brooks has participated. She was a Hayden Library Youth Services Assistant, library page, Teen Aid Project peer tutor, secretary of the National Honors Society, a council member of Youth Volunteers in Action, Knowledge Bowl team member, camp counselor, vacation Bible school leader, chemistry club participant, Endowment Committee member, secretary of her history club, and editor of her Key Club.
"Jenny exemplifies what young people can do," Darryl-Lynn Oakes, Idaho Hospital Association director of communications, said.
In addition to her helpful nature and strong dedication to service, Brooks had a weighted GPA of 4.548 and was ranked second in her class.
For more information about volunteering at Kootenai Health visit KootenaiHealth.org or call 666-2511.