Teens volunteer at Hospice.

Washington County, Maryland, can also boast about having some good, public-spirited teenagers. Two local teens, Diana Escobar, 15, a student at South Hagerstown High School, and Nevin Harshman, 15, who attends Clear Spring High School, have volunteered to serve with Hospice of Washington County Inc., which provides compassionate care for people with terminal illnesses, and also for their families. The pair works with an adult volunteer mentor, Linda Marshall. Most of their work consists of talking with patients and cheering them up by providing friendly faces. Marshall said of the pair: "They're two of the greatest kids in the world."

When asked about their reasons for getting involved in hospice care by the Hagerstown Herald-Mail, Nevin said: "Hospice helped nay great-grandma out a lot, and I knew they were the one to choose."

Diana said: "Showing [patients] pictures and telling them about your own like brings back memories and helps them connect with our generation. After doing this for some time, I feel less shy and am more able to interact with people. It makes you feel good when you help."

One of the patients that the two teens and their mentor visit regularly is William "Bill" Shaffer, 59, who has lived at Julia Manor for nearly a year. Shaffer's daughter, Amy Brooks of Martinsburg, West Virginia, told the Herald-Mail that she appreciates the services provided by the hospice and by Linda, Diana, and Nevin. She is most grateful for the fact that they are with her father on days when she cannot visit.