The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995             TAG: 9509150177
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN              PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: 20 Questions 
SOURCE: Frank Roberts 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   54 lines

BILLY JOHNSON: A VOLUNTEER AT OBICI HOSPITAL, SUFFOLK MUSEUM

BILLY JOHNSON isn't one to complain about nothing to do.

For two summers now, the ninth-grader at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy has served as a volunteer. Last year, he volunteered at the laboratory at Obici Hospital; this year, at Suffolk Museum.

At the museum, he helped with children's classes and at other times, ``I'd wash the sculpture, the tables and do some typing.''

Lisa Mizelle, museum coordinator, also used him as ``the navigator'' during a trip to the Virginia Museum in Richmond. ``He has a special talent for following maps,'' she said.

Billy also is a volunteer at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, where he is an acolyte. He even helps to train new acolytes.

Billy, who lives with his grandmother, Barbara Ridenour, on River Crescent, said he volunteers ``because the work is interesting.''

The quiet, modest teenager hopes to become an engineer. And to that end, ``I stay on the honor roll most of the time.''

What brought you here? I was born in Suffolk.

Birthdate/Hometown? Aug. 25, 1981. Suffolk.

Fondest childhood memory? Family drives.

Church affiliation? St. Andrew's Lutheran Church.

Pets? A dog, Ripper; a cat, Saint.

What's your favorite hangout? Smithfield.

Favorite night out on the town? Out to dinner.

Favorite food? Fried chicken.

Favorite movies/TV show? America's Funniest Home Videos.

Book you wish everyone would read? Bible.

Ideal vacation? Philadelphia.

I can't resist? Having fun.

Few people know that I? Like maps.

Most embarrassing moment? Calling somebody by the wrong name.

If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Share it with my family.

What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? Be yourself. My family.

What's the best thing about yourself? I like challenges.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I'd be myself.

What achievements are you most proud of? My school records.

Something you wish to say but haven't? I wish this was a drug-free world. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS

by CNB