Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020175
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As the students entered their high school years, Cobble told them, "You're painting your masterpiece called life. It's up to you what you put on your canvas."
For one student, that canvas might have been left unfinished. Whitney Leftwich, who has cystic fibrosis, underwent a double lung transplant last August.
Though not cured, Leftwich is encouraged by her doctors to do anything she wants, though she is on extensive medication and must monitor her health regularly. She recently attended her senior prom, with a date who also has cystic fibrosis.
It seems only natural that Whitney, recipient of a scholarship from Community Hospitals College of Health Sciences, plans to pursue a career in respiratory therapy or nursing.
Heather Gentry's life painting would certainly include Whitney. Friends since the sixth grade, Heather often visited Whitney during her hospital stays and helped solicit funds to defray medical expenses.
Erik Rosolowsky's canvas might include stars, running shoes and chess pieces. A National Science Scholar, he attributes his academic drive to distance running. "That and chess are metaphors for everyday life," he said.
A self-proclaimed lover of learning, Rosolowsky revived the school's defunct chess club, tutors math, is on the cross-country team, maintains a straight A average and recently won the highest achievement awards in three subjects as well as other awards and scholarships.
He will attend Swarthmore College and plans to teach astrophysics at the college level, as well as to do research.
Susan Bono may have painted a picture of two ships - leadership and friendship. As class president for the past three years, Susan has worked with a wide range of students and teachers. Her excitement to enter the University of Virginia, majoring in psychology or communications, is tempered by her reluctance to leave her friends.
Shining armor would be included on Wendy Robison's canvas. As the school's knight, Robison exemplifies all the characteristics of honor, achievement and dedication symbolized by a knight. Robison is the third female knight in the school's history. She will attend the University of Virginia, with a major in English or political science.
Student Council Association president Doug Popik's painting would have lots of bright colors. "These have been the greatest years of my life," he said.
Popik will major in international business at James Madison University.
For Brent Shorter, a painting might include running shoes, baseball cleats, basketball shoes and a pedestal on which to place his most prestigious honors - the John T. Caldwell Merit Scholarship and the Pulp and Paper Foundation Award. Chosen for his academic achievement and involvement in school activities, Shorter will major in chemical engineering and in the specialized field of pulp and paper at North Carolina State University. He also received a General Electric Star Foundation Award.
Emily Rakes's artwork would definitely have track shoes and a volleyball in it.
Rakes, the defending Group AAA outdoor girls' high-jump champion and Roanoke Valley District volleyball player of the year, has received a partial scholarship for volleyball and track at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she will major in criminal justice or chemistry.
Erin Sobotta's canvas surely would be filled with words. She scored a perfect 800 on her verbal SAT test and an impressive 730 on the math portion.
A co-valedictorian and National Merit Scholar, Sobotta was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and plans to attend Harvard University, as her father did.
A vacant chair will be left at graduation in memory of Dennis Trotter, who passed away last year.
A renewed life, in Whitney Leftwich, will take the stage on graduation night. And then, fulfilling a dream, she will run on the beach.
by CNB