Published: October 03, 2008 08:23 pm            

Our View: An excellent role model for her peers

At the age of 6, Brianna Dickey decided to volunteer at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center, working with her mother Lisa Dickey and grandmother, administrator Carrell Breeze.

Now, at the age of 12, Brianna already has logged six years of service as a volunteer at the center. During the summer, she volunteers at least three days a week at the care center and enjoys spending one-on-one time with residents. Each day she does a variety of activities and spends most of her time with Alzheimer’s patients.

“I paint their nails, read books to them and pass trays,” Dickey said. “When the beautician is here I also help them in the beauty shop by washing their hair and taking rollers out of their hair. I like being there for them and seeing them smile.”

Other activities Dickey participates in with residents include coloring, bingo, tic-tac-toe and outings. Around the office, Dickey performs tasks such as filing papers and making copies.

For her effort, Brianna has been named the Illinois Health Care Association’s Teen Volunteer of the Year. We applaud Brianna for the award, but also for being such a positive role model for her young peers.

The world needs more Brianna Dickeys.

        

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