The collaboration between Woodberry Forest School and the University of Virginia Hospital’s junior volunteer program is now in its second season; Ross Winston ’15 set it up last year. Fifth- and sixth-form applicants interviewed with Ross and Tammy Firman, Woodberry’s director of health services, for positions on the inaugural volunteer team. Patrick is this year’s team leader. “The trial group was a success and the people at UVa loved us and look forward to future groups from Woodberry,” he says. Patrick and five other boys — Calder Clay ’17, Dawson Duckworth ’17, William Hunt ’16, Chapin Silva ’17, and Tilden Winston ’17 — make up the current group.

Interest in a medical career prompted Patrick to apply for the program in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. “I'm interested in studying medicine in college and thought that volunteering with UVa would give me a taste of working in the medical profession,” he says. And though his hours at the hospital count toward his community service graduation requirement, Patrick had already earned more than the minimum through his service with Central American Study Abroad, Woodberry’s service and learning summer trip to Nicaragua. There he’d also gained experience working with young people when he taught English, coached soccer and basketball, and assisted with crafts.

Alongside his busy schedule of classes — the homework for which he often does during the van ride to Charlottesville — Patrick is a cast member in Woodberry’s winter musical, Spamalot. In other seasons, he rides on the mountain bike team and serves as a ropes course instructor. His visits to the children’s hospital are a highlight of his week. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering at UVa,” he says.

Most sessions include story time with books the kids can take home, a seasonal craft project, or playing with trucks. “We don't want visits to the doctor to be scary,” Patrick says, “so our job as volunteers is to make them fun.”

Pictured at the University of Virginia's Children's Hospital are Tilden Winston ’17 and Dawson Duckworth ’17