Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 14, 1990 TAG: 9006140435
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
But Wednesday night, along with 267 classmates, Earles didn't miss a step as she walked across the stage at Burruss Hall to receive her high school diploma.
"I think it's unbelievable. It gives a whole new meaning to the saying about how time flies," said the graduate.
Earles, 18, spent those missed school days in a hospital or at home, battling a congenital illness called hydrocephalus, in which spinal fluid collects around the brain.
"The doctor said she'd never live past five years old, and here she is getting her diploma," said her mother, Sylvia Vaughan. "It's going to be a real tear-jerker. We're really proud of her."
Earles is undecided about whether to attend New River Community College or National Business College. Either way, the new graduate says she wants to become a social worker. She thinks.
As with Earles, many of the Blacksburg seniors enter the real world filled with uncertainty, as well as excitement and a touch of sadness.
But valedictorian Eric Shumsky reminded the Class of '90 that the Wednesday ceremony was more than the end of high school.
"Graduation is a step, a milestone . . . a change of classrooms from Blacksburg High School into the classroom of the world."
Likewise, keynote speaker Ann Surface, who retired this year after 35 years of teaching, urged the graduates to cherish their memories of high school as they leave to go to jobs or college.
Surface said she hopes the graduates could "look back at these years and say, `I wouldn't have done it any other way.' "
Principal Clinton LeGette commended the class for outstanding achievements in athletics, vocational education, music, fine arts and academics before performing his traditional duty - handing out diplomas and handshakes.
He got an occasional hug, too.
Graduates this year received a total of $56,150 in scholarship money, as well as several tuition scholarships to Columbia, Liberty, Yale and Stanford universities.
Jeff Morrill received a presidential scholarship to Virginia Tech - one of four given to incoming freshmen. The scholarship includes four years of tuition, books, room and board, a personal computer and Tech president James McComas as academic adviser.
Two graduates were appointed to military academies this year: David Yoder will go to the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, and Charles Peterson will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
Roughly 60 percent of the graduates received Advanced Studies Diplomas, and 113 students leave with grade-point averages of 3.0 or above.
by CNB