Friday, September 27, 2019
Volunteer Honored as Teen Volunteer of the Year
Zane Chapman’s passion for
volunteering was recognized by the New Mexico Hospital
Association. The Aztec High School student was awarded the Teen Volunteer of
the Year award.
Zane has been a volunteer at San Juan Regional Medical Center for the past
three and a half years. He has served more than 200 hours at the Information
Desk, greeting patients and visitors and showing them around the hospital. “I
most enjoy the interactions and conversations with our guests and patients,”
Zane said. “Being a friendly guide helps them from feeling lost, unsafe or
alone.”
Zane has made volunteering a priority in his busy schedule. He is an honors
student and the team captain of the two-time Varsity State Championship
wrestling team at Aztec High. While he has little free time, Zane said he finds
it extremely important to give back to the community by volunteering.
“Volunteering has become such a key element in my life, that I cannot imagine
not doing it.”
Zane has achieved the highest level in the Information Desk’s Navigator
Program, showing that he has the experience and leadership to mentor incoming
volunteers and assist in training. He is very proactive when on duty and is
always ready to provide assistance to anyone in need.
“Zane is a natural teacher and is very dependable,” Volunteer Services Manager
Teresa Becker said. “He is a great team player and is accustomed to serving
with a variety of age groups. He is extremely polite, especially with our older
volunteers and visitors. It is wonderful to see the responsible young man he
has become.”
Upon graduation, Zane plans to pursue an appointment to the United States Naval
Academy or United States Merchant Marine Academy and obtain a degree in
engineering. No matter where life takes him, he knows he’ll continue to serve
others. “Through the love of giving back, I will volunteer, in some capacity,
for the rest of my life,” Zane said.