Teenage Volunteer Receives National Recognition

BIDMC Contact: Margaret Pantridge
Phone: 781-453-3891
Email: mpantridge@bidneedham.org

President George W. Bush has recognized Matthew Chase, a 15-year-old sophomore at Dover-Sherborn High School, for his volunteer work at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham.

The Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham Board of Trustees and administration honored Matthew recently at a trustees meeting. Trustee Chairman Christoph Hoffmann awarded him the President's Volunteer Service Award, which is presented by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

"It is wonderful to see a deserving young man recognized in this way," said Hoffmann. "We are deeply appreciative of the time and the spirit he has given to the hospital."

The award recognizes Matthew's commitment to strengthening the nation and making a difference through volunteer service. Requirements for the award include 100 hours of volunteer service during a 12-month period, a requirement Matthew easily met.

Matthew has volunteered a total of 73 hours for Tenacity, an inner-city program where he coaches children in tennis. Since November 2004, he has volunteered more than 65 hours at BID-Needham. Matthew began as a patient escort and eventually moved to the Occupational Health Services department, where he supports the office with filing and computer work.

Matthew is the son of David and Kathy Chase of Dover.

"Matthew is flexible and a great worker and has a great personality to match," said his BID-Needham supervisor, Rosy Myers, R.N., of the Occupational Health Services department.

In the photo: Congratulating Matthew Chase (center) on his volunteer award are his supervisor Rosy Myers, R.N., of Occupational Health Services (left) and Anne Whearty (right), volunteer liaison.