Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020177
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Valedictorian Kevin Dalal and salutatorian Brent Sower are among seven graduating Salem seniors in the I.B. diploma program this year.
They will receive the honor at Salem High's graduation exercises June 10 at 2 p.m. in the Salem Civic Center.
The I.B. program, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and operating in more than 60 countries, is a rigorous curriculum of special courses covering all the academic subjects. More than 450 schools participate, but Salem High is one of the few in Virginia.
In addition to the seven seniors in the diploma program, 45 other seniors are candidates for I.B. certificates, given for completing parts of the program.
In addition to being salutatorian, Sower also is a National Merit finalist.
Others in the class also have received high honors. Elizabeth Riser is the recipient of a Northeast Louisana University academic scholarship. Melissa Olson and Holly Summerville are recipients of the Virginia High School League Achievement Award.
Three graduates have won athletic scholarships. Marcus Parker and Heather Moore will attend Virginia Tech, Parker on a football scholarship and Moore on a soccer scholarship; and Mark Byington has been awarded a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Overall, 192 of the graduating seniors - 80 percent - will continue their educations at two- or four-year colleges.
A total of about $675,000 in scholarships is being awarded to Salem High's graduates.
Advanced Studies diplomas will be awarded to 117 graduating seniors - 49 percent of the class. To win these diplomas students are required to take more courses and earn more credits than necessary to graduate.
Others being recognized for individual achievements include Melanie Newton, recipient of the Good Citizenship Award given by the Daughters of the American Revolution; and Amber Hodges, recipient of a Sisterhood Award from the Roanoke area chapter of the National Conference (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews). Sisterhood Awards are given to students for their efforts to eliminate racism, reduce prejudice and improve human relations in their high schools.
Betsy McClearn, an assistant principal at Salem High, said Hodges, involved in many activities both in and outside school, is "a natural leader, an effective team member and someone committed to volunteerism."
Joyce Noell, adviser to the school yearbook the Laconian, which Hodges has served as editor-in-chief, said she has never before "encountered a student with Amber's maturity and attitude."
Hodges, 17, plans to enroll in James Madison University to study to become a teacher.
by CNB