Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, September 17, 1993                   TAG: 9309170224
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                LENGTH: Medium

BASKETBALL MASCOT HONORED AS MOST VALUABLE COUGAR

This is the third year the honor has been conferred on a senior, based on five nominations from the class and final selection by faculty vote. Folsom received a $400 watch donated by Lemons' Jewelry.

Principal Thomas DeBolt cited Folsom's record of school activities including being president of the school's National Honor Society, playing soccer and tennis, and being the mascot for the basketball team.

His mention of the mascot was what gave away Folsom's identity to most of the student audience. Teachers, parents, pastors and others also filled the gymnasium where the program was held.

Folsom's community service record was equally impressive. She has been a volunteer with the Daily Bread food bank and Special Olympics programs, went to South Carolina as a volunteer to help in the cleanup after Hurricane Hugo, and took part in a fund-raising bike-a-thon for St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Ed Barnes, president of New River Community College, gave the keynote address urging students to consider where they will be in a few years.

"You'll either be in the job market or in college," he said. "The credentials that you're building today will be very important."

Superintendent William Asbury delivered a similar message.

"Right now, you have a chance to influence the rest of your life depending on your attitude today," he said. "It means going to class, it means being on time, it means doing your assignments."

Asbury drew applause when he emphasized the role of churches, along with parents, teachers and other community members, in helping to form the moral fiber of county students.

DeBolt reminded the students that they are expected to list some self-imposed goals for themselves by the third block of classes today.

"You could call them goals, but maybe a better word is affirmations," he said. "It says, `This is the picture I want to achieve.' "

Academic letters were announced for 61 seniors, 81 juniors and 80 sophomores based on being on the honor roll for the past four nine-week grading periods. Perfect attendance awards were announced for 19 seniors, 44 juniors and 54 sophomores.