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

DATE: FRIDAY, February 17, 1995                   TAG: 9502170047
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CHEWNING WINS THEIR HEARTS

Valentine's Day was late for Barbara ``Bootie'' Chewning, but it was intense.

Nearly 4,000 students helped prepare cards that were presented to Chewning on Thursday to thank her for her 12 years of service on the Roanoke County School Board.

The Valentines came from students at Herman Horn, Mount Pleasant, Roland Cook and W.E. Cundiff elementary schools, William Byrd Middle School and William Byrd High School.

Chewning, touched by the students' cards, wiped away tears. The students embellished their valentines with poems and photographs.

Chewning left the board Jan. 1, but Thursday was the first time that students and parents had an opportunity to publicly thank her.

More than 50 educators and parents came to praise her as part of the Founders Day Celebration for educators in the Vinton area. Chewning was the guest of honor this year.

Deanna Gordon, school superintendent, said Chewning's contributions to the school system were long and varied.

Bayes Wilson, retired school superintendent, said she enhanced the school division as a former teacher and as a board member.

Several speakers said that Chewning had a far-reaching effect on Vinton and its schools.

Chewning chose not to keep her Vinton District seat on the School Board when the county switched to an elected board in November.

Michael Stovall won the Vinton District seat in a three-way contest.