In recognition of her outstanding service benefiting the St. Luke’s community, senior Rachel Brumback received the 2006 Honor Intern Award from the mental health facility, St. Luke’s House (SLH) on April 26.

The award was presented by Dr. Murray Claytor, a psychiatrist at the rehabilitation center, who praised Brumbach highly for her exceptional hard work, enthusiasm, and caring nature toward the clients.

SLH was founded in 1971 by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bethesda, MD in order to serve patients who have recently been released from psychiatric hospitals. The organization currently offers a psychiatric rehabilitation program and houses more than 800 clients who are affected by disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and multiple personality disorder.

As an intern, Brumback participated in recreational and social activities with the clients, including miniature golf and bowling, and would observe the clients’ behavior and inform counselors of their progress.

Working over 10 hours a week, Brumback astounded co-workers at St. Luke’s with her dedication and ever-present desire to help the clients. Although she was not required to work on Friday nights, Brumback would take time out of her weekend to work at SLH, where she would cook meals, play games, and engage in conversation with the clients to make them feel more comfortable.

The Psychology Internship Program has been offered at Wootton for the past four years, and allows students to intern at the National Institute of Mental Health, Suburban Hospital, and many other facilities.

The Internship Program’s director, Dr. Marie Smith, said, “The Internship Program is a wonderful, innovative way for students to learn responsibility, get a taste of the real world, and discover whether or not they are interested in the field of psychology.”

After astonishing counselors and psychiatrists with her skills and effort, Brumback was asked to work as a life skills counselor at SLH this summer. “The most rewarding part of this internship has been seeing the clients change,” Brumback said. “When I first met some of the clients, they were very sick. Witnessing their progress is extremely rewarding.”

“The ability to take initiative is valuable in a work environment. I think this characteristic, along with her enthusiasm, is what made Rachel so valuable,” Smith said.