In each issue of SF & Neighbors, we will feature an outstanding student at South Fayette High School who has - through their actions, character and accomplishments - shown the true spirit of excellence at South Fayette. In their own way, these students personify the values of our District and are our finest examples of tradition, pride and excellence.

A typical day for a high school student consists of a seven hour school day, perhaps an after school sport or activity, a five hour shift at a part-time job, and a daily dose of homework. If they are lucky, they’ll even find the time to eat, sleep, and occasionally breathe. South Fayette senior, Caitlin Moore, however, takes care of more than just the essentials during her spare time- she also volunteers at St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon.

For the past four years, Caitlin has volunteered at the hospital as a candy striper, following in the footsteps of her mother, Mrs. Denise Beverina Moore, a former teenage candy striper. She has spent well over 300 hours performing various odd jobs for the staff. She is stationed at the main information desk, where she sells parking tokens, gives directions to family members of patients, personally walks visitors to rooms, and delivers newspapers and mail to the patients. The most enjoyable aspect for Caitlin though, is not the time she spends at the front desk.

“The best part of volunteering at the hospital is when I get to interact with the patients and make their day a little better, maybe even change their outlook,” expressed Caitlin.

An exceptional student as well, Caitlin maintains a grade point average above a 4.0, and is currently enrolled in Advance Placement courses at school. Outside of the classroom, she focuses a great deal of her energy into the girls’ basketball team, of which she has been a member since the seventh grade. She has been an active member of the student council, participating her freshmen, sophomore, and senior years. Caitlin’s list of activities also includes the National Honor Society and the Art Club.

Following graduation, Caitlin’s future plans include attending the University of Pittsburgh next fall. Her aspiration is to become a bioengineer, indeed a very notable line of work. As such, her main focus would be developing tools and equipment that would be used in hospitals and doctors’ offices across the United States.

When asked if her volunteer work at St. Clair Hospital had in any way influenced her chosen career path, Caitlin responded, “As a candy striper, I get the chance to make a stay at the hospital a little easier on the patients, but as a bioengineer, I would get the chance to help save people’s lives. Nothing could be more gratifying than that.”

In November of 2004, Caitlin was recognized for her outstanding volunteer work at the annual Medallion Ball in downtown Pittsburgh. She was awarded a medal for completing over 100 hours of volunteer work at the hospital.

If you or your teenager would like the opportunity to volunteer at St. Clair Hospital, please call (412) 561-4900 and ask to be connected to Volunteer Services.

The author of this article is Cassandra Quinn, a senior at South Fayette High School.  She is a member of the Show Choir and has participated in the annual Fayette Follies since ninth grade.  She has written entertainment reviews for
the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s website and has been a featured teen writer in a printed edition of the Post-Gazette.  She maintains High Honor Roll status and is enrolled in Honors courses.  She hopes to attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and to major in Literary Journalism.