Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, December 19, 1994 TAG: 9412210071
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 13
School: Hidden Valley Junior High, Roanoke County
Year: Eighth Grade
What she does: When Lauren, an animal lover, applied for a volunteer position at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, there were no openings. But ``her enthusiasm and willingness were so overwhelming,'' said Amy Chattin, the zoo's education coordinator, they accepted her anyway.
Lauren volunteers during the summer and several times a month - ``whenever they need me'' - during the school year. She often works in the petting area of the zoo, helping out with children's activities, ``at which she excels,'' Chattin said.
Lauren will be collecting Christmas trees in her neighborhood after the holidays to bring to the zoo for the wolves and other winter outdoor animals to use as ``furniture'' in their habitats.
In addition, Lauren has helped two close friends become honor roll students in school. A straight-A student, she tutors them, has shared her study skills with them, and ``I guess I was a good influence,'' she said.
``It was kind of hard to start teaching them, and I tried to make it fun, a `friend thing,''' Lauren said. ``Now my friends feel better about themselves and are doing more on their own. They thought they couldn't do it and now they know they can.''
Her friend, Annie (who requested her name be withheld), feels ``glad to have a friend like her. She helped me a lot with French, and now I have an A in that class.''
Lauren has also started to tutor her stepsister, Jennifer, when she visits from Blue Ridge on the weekend.
Other activities: One of only six students in her grade to earn all A's, Lauren hopes to be asked to join the Junior Beta Club, an academic honor society. She is a member of the French Club, active in her church youth group, baby-sits regularly and is trying out for the school's volleyball team. Lauren plays softball year round as a starting pitcher, is on a rec basketball team and has been a cheerleader. An avid hockey fan, Lauren is a member of the Roanoke Valley Hockey Booster Club.
Why she does it: ``It's important to help others,'' Lauren said, ``because if you're smart you should share it with others who may not be.
``Working at the zoo makes me feel good because I'm helping injured animals and working with kids at a place that's part of the community. I feel good because everything I'm doing has helped someone else.''
Obstacles: Lauren had to deal with the death of her dad, Gary L. Douglas, last year. ``I think she's done remarkably well dealing with so much at her young age,'' Renee Douglas, her mother, wrote in her letter of nomination.
Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and volunteering of their own choice. If part of a group, the teen must have initiated the activity.
Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and volunteering of their own choice. If part of a group, the teen must have initiated the activity.
Send in the teen's name, age, phone number, what they're doing, for how long, and how it has helped someone else. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010
This twice-monthly column spotlights a teen-ager who is using his or her own initiative to make a difference in our neighborhoods, schools and communities. We think they deserve a public thank-you for helping other people. Nominations are sent in by our readers (see guidelines below).
by CNB