Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 28, 1991 TAG: 9103010639
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROBERTA ENGLISH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Roanoke Area Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, as part of its celebration for National Brother/Sisterhood Week, recognized the students for the service they've given to their schools and communities.
So often when kids are in high school, their main focus is academics, but it is equally important to develop a sense of volunteerism, chapter board member Debbie Kaplan said.
"It's one of the things teen-agers need to do so that they are well-rounded when they go to college," said William deWindt, a junior at Roanoke Catholic School.
"These students are clearly role models for their peers," said Kaplan, who brought her 9-year-old daughter to the awards ceremony. "I hope that one day she will follow in their footsteps."
Batten, a Northside High senior, said that of all her activities, she enjoys visiting nursing homes the most. "A lot of them think I'm their granddaughter," Batten said. "It's fun to see that others went through the same things that I'm going through now, only 40 years ago."
The honorees, who agree that teen-agers should volunteer more often, are:
> Carie Dawn Anderson, a Roanoke Valley Christian senior and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Anderson of Northwest Roanoke. She talks to other teens in detention homes and conducts Bible school for deaf children.
Jill Price Batten, daughter of Jack and Joan Batten of Northwest Roanoke. She spearheaded the "Adopt a Family" project for the Roanoke Department of Social Services.
Christopher Cayce Dalton, a Cave Spring High senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Casey of Southwest Roanoke County and Roger Dalton. Christopher counsels and trains for the "Teen Line" crisis hot line.
William deWindt, son of William G. and Marilyn W. deWindt of Vinton. He does yard work and odd jobs for elderly people in his neighborhood.
Douglas Wayne Bright, a Salem High senior and son of Raymond and Marie Bright of Salem. He tutors at-risk students in science and assists with fund-raisers for Kiwanis and Ronald McDonald House.
Richard A. Kasey, a William Byrd High senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Kasey of Vinton. He encourages children at a housing development to attend Sunday school and helps train young athletes in recreation programs. He also has volunteered at RAM House, a day shelter for the homeless.
Bennie Jean Kelly, a James River High senior and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benton V. Kelly Buchanan. She visits and sings for elderly nursing-home patients. Last summer she volunteered at the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. She also founded James River's chapter of "For Teens Only," a Christian youth group.
Michael Duane Merritt, a Lord Botetourt senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Merlyn D. Merritt of Troutville. He counsels for TRUST-Teen Line and Lord Botetourt.
Tracy Mulholland, a William Fleming High senior and daughter of Mark Mulholland and Sharon Morgan, both of Southwest Roanoke. She teaches Bible school at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Roanoke and works at RAM House.
Carlton Eugene Spinner, a Glenvar High senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Alpha Bangura of Salem. He is a youth deacon and trustee at First Baptist Church in Salem.
H. Stuart Thomas, a North Cross High senior and son of Mr. and Mrs. Quinn D. Thomas Southwest Roanoke. He tutors at West End Community Center in Roanoke and counsels for North Cross Triangle peer counseling group.
Mike. L. Wiley, a Patrick Henry High senior and son of Linda and Thomas Wiley of Northwest Roanoke. He teaches drama at Fallon Park Elementary School and works at RAM House.
by CNB