"It's being able to help a neighbor," she said. "It can be stressful at times, there is a lot of responsibility, but I see it as an honor that people look to me for help."

Green is currently in pursuit of an associate's degree from Greenfield Community College, where she holds a 3.9 GPA while taking courses in English, art and anatomy/physiology. She was also accepted into the college's paramedic program.

Once she has completed the 18-month program, Green plans to transfer to a four-year college while remaining in the medical field.

In addition to her work in Halifax, she is also a member of the Marlboro crew, Whitingham Ambulance Service and Rescue Inc. as an emergency medical technician.

While still a teenager, Green began her career in emergency medical services when she joined the newly established first responder team in Halifax three years ago. Her mother Dora was also a founding member and also serves as a first responder.

"I'm real proud of the way she is able to be concerned about people's welfare," said Mitch Green, Melissa's father. "We're real proud of her."

Halifax Chief Christina Moore, who also helped found the town's rescue squad, said Green excelled at the formal EMT classes.

"She's being pretty well mentored at Rescue Inc., she's down there volunteering about one or two days a week for the last several months, even with our squad and Whitingham ambulance for the last three years now," Moore said. "For anybody, it takes time to become proficient at these skills, but she has a very strong aptitude. She's truly one of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with."

The Southern Vermont EMS conference, held in the Deerfield Valley, provided training sessions to local paramedics, nurses and other health providers. The valley's health volunteer group offers scholarships to students in the region working in the realm of health care.

Green's scholarships also come in the midst of Emergency Medical Services Week, organized by the American College of Emergency Physicians. The designation week is designed around the theme of "everyday heroes" who put themselves in harm's way to assist the sick and injured.

National EMS Week, from May 15 to 21, features hundreds of activities across the country.

Chris Garofolo can be reached at cgarofolo@reformer.com or 802-254-2311 ext. 275.