Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990 TAG: 9006090356
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Friday night, Smith - who has lettered in basketball, volleyball and softball - delivered the valedictory address for her senior class.
"My parents have always encouraged me to do my best; that's just what I've done," the 17-year-old said. "I don't like to do things halfway."
Roanoke Valley Christian's graduation ceremonies were held in the auditorium of Shenandoah Baptist Church on whose Williamson Road grounds the school is located. The Rev. Robert Alderman noted that, including the 12 previous graduating classes, the current class brings the school's total alumni to 325.
Before Smith's speech, salutatorian Melissa Davis told the large full auditorium that she did not feel being sheltered in a Christian school had hampered her education but had enhanced it.
Smith, who had to stifle a few tears before beginning her talk, told the other 31 graduating seniors of a need to restore values and morals in American society. She challenged her classmates to "find solutions to return America to the land of the free and the home of the brave."
In the fall, Smith will attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. She received an appointment on the nomination of Sen. John Warner but was also nominated by Sen. Charles Robb and by Rep. Jim Olin. Smith was presented a flag from Olin that had flown over the Capitol in her name.
Smith plans to major in aerospace engineering at Annapolis. "I want to fly," she said. "I want to be an astronaut; that's what I really want to do."
Math and science are favorite subjects, but a sense of adventure and the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger pointed Smith toward her current career goals.
When asked, she mentioned two teachers who have influenced her high school accomplishments.
English teacher Emily Donnelly encouraged Smith to be creative, to think for herself and to express herself. "I guess she's got that mother[ing] nature about her," Smith said.
Coach Bobby Dixon was a friend who taught her about teamwork and decision-making, Smith said. Dixon asked her to do her best but never expected more, she said.
Outside of school, Smith is active in the Lilly of the Valley Baptist Church in Fincastle. She is president of her youth group, a member of the youth choir and acting secretary for the Sunday school.
Smith is the daughter of Edgar and Betty Smith of Roanoke. Her father is retired from the Army and she has three uncles who are either active or retired Army veterans.
She plans to try out for the women's basketball team at Navy. A 3.87 student in high school, Smith's goal is to maintain at least a 3-point or "B" average during college.
by CNB