Viewfinder: Carnival Time for Kids at St. John's Mercy

Some St. Louis-area high schoolers interested in a medical profession have spent learning about many aspects of working in a hospital.

hosted the program called TLC, Teens Learning in the Community, a 6-week project that combined presentations from hospital staff and student volunteer opportunities..

Lauren Lee, Administrative assistant for volunteer services, said they learned what it’s like on a day-to-day basis from pediatricians, nurse practitioners, radiologists covering medical to administrative tasks.

The 27 students also had the fun opportunity to plan a carnival for pediatric patients and their families. That event was held Thursday afternoon at the hospital's Rooftop Garden.

“They made all the signs, made up the games,” said volunteer coordinator Penny McIlroy. “We’re just really blessed to have all these kids. They’ve done a lot of work around the hospital.”

She said she provided the funds and the “bossiness,” but the kids did all the work planning the carnival.

MICDS senior, Kelly Marra, one of the TLC students, said she likes working with the kids because  “it makes me see everything in a different perspective.” At a Bingo party for the kids, “(some) were so sick, but they still wanted to have a good time,” she said, “and I felt like I was making a difference.”