TEEN-AGER SINGS PRAISES OF VOLUNTEERING, SERVICE

At 15, Chris Wise has already learned the value of service.

This Cape Girardeau ninth grader can be found each Saturday at St. Francis Medical Center, volunteering in the emergency and outpatient areas. Since he started last June, he has logged more than 340 hours.

But don't stop there.

In his "spare" time, Chris volunteers generously of his time for functions at his church, Centenary United Methodist Church, or other activities. His clear, rich baritone voice is in high demand. Recently, he sang at a Stephen Ministries gathering, a church Mother-Daughter banquet, the St. Francis auxiliary dinner, the Clayton Huey Walk-a-Thon and at Chateau Girardeau.

Pat Miller, volunteer manager at St. Francis Medical Center, marvels at Chris' caring attitude.

"He has such wonderful manners and a real genuine caring for people. That attitude is always obvious," she said.

Chris started working at the hospital last June through the Junior Volunteer program, which is geared to 14 through 17 year olds. He liked it so well that he continued during the school year.

He greets patients and their families as they enter the hospital, escorting them to specific areas. He also serves as the substitute paper boy, delivering papers throughout the hospital when needed. He often trains new volunteers.

"We get many comments from patients and staff about how polite and pleasant Chris is," said Miller. "He's really a wonderful young man. I'm sure the future holds great things for Chris."

He lives with his mother and grandmother. They are a very close-knit family. His father is deceased.

His mother, Julie, a hair stylist at JCPenney, is understandably proud of her son.

"He's a pretty good kid," she said. "He loves to sing. He's been in the choir since fourth grade."

He takes voice lessons and also plays the French horn at school. He writes for the Cub Newspaper at Central Junior High School. His favorite stories are health related.

But Chris feels lucky to reap the benefits from performing and volunteering.

"I just like hospitals," he said. "I hope some day to be a doctor or something medical."

He also enjoys meeting new people through volunteering and his music. "It's a lot of fun."