Thomas Hospital has launched its annual Junior Volunteer program, welcoming 50 high school students from across Baldwin and Mobile counties for a summer of service and learning.

Participants were selected from 12 area schools, including Baldwin County Virtual High School, Baldwin Preparatory Academy, Bayshore Christian School, Bayside Academy, Daphne High, Fairhope High, Gulf Shores High, Spanish Fort High, St. Michael Catholic High, St. Paul's Episcopal and UMS-Wright Preparatory. The program, offered through the Thomas Hospital Auxiliary, runs June 2 through July 25.

Students ages 14 to 17 who maintain a B average or higher are eligible to apply for the summer program. Volunteers will serve across multiple departments at Thomas Hospital and affiliated facilities, including the Cardiac Rehab, Cath Lab, Clinical Education, Endoscopy, Radiology, Physical Therapy and Same Day Surgery departments. Others will assist in units such as 2 North (Cardiovascular/Telemetry/Progressive Care), 2 South (Medical Unit), 3 North (Post-Surgical Unit) and 4 South (Women's and Children's Unit), as well as the Colony Rehabilitation Hospital, Fairhope Surgery Center, Fitness Center, Surgery Waiting Area and the hospital's Gift Shop.

"This is a great opportunity for our area high school students to observe and learn about health careers," said Melita Willkie, manager of volunteer services at Thomas Hospital. "We look forward to offering them a wonderful place to volunteer and the opportunity to provide a valuable service to their community."