Valerie’s true talent lies in her ability to make the residents feel special. She never hesitates to share a smile or to laugh with residents over a joke. She remembers the residents’ names and asks them questions about their family and their history. She knows the residents’ grandchildren or great grandchildren and she keeps the residents updated on their grandchildren’s school and sports happenings. Valerie especially enjoys visiting on Lakeland’s Alzheimer’s unit with residents who do not receive many visitors. Valerie is an honor roll eighth grade student at Elkhorn Area Middle School and is very active in the Student Council as a representative for community projects. She enjoys keeping busy and her interests include playing the clarinet, computers, dancing and playing school sports. She is, in fact, so busy with school, band, sports and babysitting that it’s incredible she finds time to volunteer as well.