Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 18, 1993 TAG: 9305180130
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Third-grader Laura Beth King, a first-place winner, cited three things she liked about the county: the courthouse, her teachers and the Pulaski Cougars football team.
"I saw the courthouse burning," she wrote. "It brought my dad's mom to tears. . . . I was so glad and so was my grandmother when it was rebuilt."
Fourth-grade winner Shawna Price wrote about the friendliness she found when she came to the county.
"When I first moved here, our neighbors came to see my mother. They said if we ever needed anything, even a cup of sugar, just ask. Now we are good friends," she said.
Top fifth-grade contestant Samantha Cole summed it up succinctly:
"The spirit of Pulaski might be the PCHS Cougars becoming AAA state champions; or the band that is better than any other I've heard; maybe it's the chess and drama clubs; or the children's clothes we make; how about the furniture made downtown; it could be the stores and the banks and the companies we have; the new Courthouse perhaps; but I think that the spirit of Pulaski is that no matter where you are in Pulaski there is always a `Hi' to greet you."
Angela Kay Anderson, first-place winner in the grades 6-8 competition, wrote:
"Pulaski County sort of reminds me of the town in `Steel Magnolias.' It seems as though everyone knows everyone else." From its football fans to its religious spirit and families, she said, "I believe that the root of all of them is love."
Claytor Lake, historical sites, recreation, support of schools and rooting for the Cougars all contribute to the Pulaski County spirit, according to grades 9-10 winner Autumn Alexander.
"All of my ancestors have come from Pulaski County and I plan to keep the tradition on because Pulaski County is a great place to live," she concluded.
Shannon R. Andrews won in the grades 11-12 competition by writing about his stroll along Main Street, in which he saw the courthouse restored by community support; the antiques, art and music shops brought in by the Main Street program; the new war memorial; and the rally in Jackson Park during Operation Desert Storm.
His walk takes him back to his high school to remember how the community supported its state championship football team.
Sponsors for this year's contest were AT&T Federal Credit Union; Dublin Flower Shop; New River Valley Truck Plant Federal Credit Union; and NationsBank, Charter Federal, Crestar, First Virginia, Premier and Signet banks.
Debbie Douthat and Kevin Meyers of Pulaski Community Hospital were co-chairman and chairwoman for the contest.
by CNB