AUGUSTA – Elisha Dorso of Farmingdale is a high school senior who is actively involved in the community.

Dorso, who attends St. Dominic Regional High School in Auburn, is a three-sport athlete – field hockey, cheering and softball – who excels academically and works a part-time job at Shaw’s.

Dorso volunteers at MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Augusta Campus and has been inspired to pursue a career in the health care field.

David King, coordinator of volunteer services at MGMC Augusta, said Dorso is part of a growing trend among area teens who volunteer for a variety of reasons, then are inspired to further their interest in helping others.

“You’ve got to give credit to all of these kids who volunteer,” he said. “They do a heck of a job and have a great level of dedication. Our staff appreciates what they offer.”

Dorso volunteered first during the summer of 2002 following her eighth-grade year. Working on one of the medical-surgical floors, then on the maternity floor piqued her interest in a nursing career, she said.

“I liked that because it was fun and I got to interact with patients and staff,” she said, adding that she was accepted into Husson College’s four-year nursing program and will begin classes in the fall.

“I liked the atmosphere and being in the hospital,” she added, “and realized I wanted to go into nursing and into the labor and delivery field in particular.”

For the summer, Dorso plans to complete a certified nurse’s aide course, a move that will better prepare her for the future.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at MaineGeneral’s Augusta Campus, call King at 626-1243.