Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 8, 1995 TAG: 9506100005
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-39 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STEWART MacINNIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES &WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Medium
"We've been together all along," says Huffman. "We've never been separated. It's kind of neat, and it's kind of hard."
Huffman is one of 52 students in the senior class, of which Lindsey Mattox will be valedictorian.
Ten students in the graduating class are going on to a four-year college. And with those going to two-year colleges, about half the senior class is college-bound. The remainder plan to start work or join the military upon graduation.
With just one elementary school, one middle school now being developed, and one high school, students in Craig County grow up together, and they grow together, Huffman says. And with all the schools located at a single school complex, the students see each other every day of their academic careers.
Until now.
"I'm going to miss them and the school," Huffman says. "I have really mixed feelings. I'll miss it all, but I'm also looking forward to what is coming."
Besides the fellowship of classmates she has known all her life, Huffman is leaving behind the hard work of extracurricular activities during her senior year.
She was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. The newspaper was dormant for a number of years, and it was resurrected this year by Huffman and other students.
She also was editor of the school's yearbook this year, after having worked on the yearbook staff in previous years.
As the editor, she worked with about a dozen other students and with faculty sponsors to produce the book. In addition to assigning and editing articles appearing in the book, she organized the effort to sell advertisements to businesses that helped sponsor the book.
"We really count on support from people right here in the area," she says of the ads. "You wouldn't think we had a lot of businesses here, but they really come out and help us. This is a very close-knit community."
Huffman will major in English at Roanoke College in the fall. While she hasn't settled on a career, she is leaning toward education.
"Kids are really neat," she says. "I get along with little kids better than with some adults."
She often helps her mother, who is secretary at McCleary Elementary School, in dealing with young children. She also took time to read to kindergartners as part of a Beta Club reading project. And at times she helps her mother with a young Sunday school class.
Huffman says she's not sure yet whether she will live at home or live on campus when she starts college. She doesn't want to give up her country roots and the close-knit community in which she grew up.
"This is a special place," she says. "I love it."
by CNB