Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 17, 1994 TAG: 9407070067
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KEN DAVIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RINER LENGTH: Medium
In addition to the typical trials of adolescence, the students have dealt with the death of Danielle Blankenship, a junior and close friend to many in the senior class. Blankenship was killed in a car accident in the spring.
Nonetheless, the class has worked hard to overcome the challenges they've faced, an attitude reflected in the accomplishments of their valedictorian.
"I've always been told that I wasn't that smart, but I could do well if I worked hard," said Celia Eicheldinger, a soft-spoken and articulate 18-year-old who shrugs her shoulders and blushes easily when discussing her accomplishments. "I've heard it so much that it doesn't really bother me anymore."
Eicheldinger, who will attend Virginia Tech in the fall with plans to study nutrition, said it was a competitive spirit that caused her to push herself so much over the years, enough to give her a 4.09 grade point average and numerous academic accolades.
"She's a good model for the other students," said Pat Turner, a senior English teacher and senior class sponsor. "I think she's a remarkable person."
Turner agreed that it was the valedictorian's work ethic that pushed her to success.
"She really sets goals for herself and works hard to achieve them," Turner said. "One of the things that impresses me so much is that she's not afraid to do some real work and take on some real challenges."
But Eicheldinger doesn't like to talk about herself, preferring to divert the attention toward a group she says deserves most of the credit for her accomplishments and those of her classmates.
"The teachers deserve so much," she said. "I think a lot of times our teachers aren't thanked enough. I think they're wonderful."
She lowers her head and smiles, admitting she may be a bit biased when evaluating the effectiveness of her teachers.
"Of course, I always made an A," she said, laughing. "That might have something to do with it."
Auburn High School Class of '94
Graduates: 54
Valedictorian: Celia Eicheldinger
Salutatorian: Michael Altizer
Scholarships: 14
by CNB