Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 19, 1995 TAG: 9507130062
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 16
School: Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke
Year: Junior
What she does: Natasha volunteers twice a week at The West End Center For Youth, tutoring elementary school children and helping them with their homework. She has also tutored at Raleigh Court Elementary School and at Burrell Nursing Home.
Natasha is very well liked by the children she helps and is often seen with someone hugging her or having his or her arm around her as they work together.
``Natasha has established successful and meaningful relationships with the children she has tutored,'' wrote Joy Parrish, volunteer coordinator at the center, who nominated her. ``She always seems to be in control of the children when she works with them, but still manages to maintain a friendly and productive atmosphere.
``Natasha has been the most faithful among our teen-age volunteers,'' Parrish said. ``A lot of our adult volunteers look for staff assistance, but she's worked completely independently. She comes in, gets busy and does a good job.''
As one of the few and the only teen-age volunteer who lives in the neighborhood the center serves, Natasha is an important example for the pupils she tutors.
``I believe that Natasha's influence as a role model for the children is strengthened by her being their neighbor,'' Parrish said. ``We can talk to them a lot, but when someone from their neighborhood, who they can identify with, talks, it speaks louder to them.''
School activities: Abby was student body president at James Madison Middle School, is freshman class president and will be president of the sophomore class in the fall.
``Abby has strong leadership skills and gets her goals accomplished,'' said Philip Jepson, principal at Madison. ``I never had to worry about her performing her duties as president. She often got things done ahead of time.''
Abby will be business manager of Patrick Henry's yearbook for 1995-96, chosen by teachers as the first and only sophomore on the senior staff.
Abby is a student at the Governor's School for math and science and attends The Center for advanced studies in the humanities, both honors programs. A straight-A student, Abby is a member of the national Junior Beta Club, an honor society. She is the only freshman on the school's forensics (public speaking) team.
She has won numerous awards at city and regional science fairs, and this year was nominated for the best-in-fair award at the state competition.
A Governor's School ambassador, Abby visits James Madison Middle School to answer pupils' questions about the program and gives tours.
As a member of student government, Abby organized a dunking booth to raise money for the people of Oklahoma City.
``When I heard about the people, especially the children, I felt that was something we should get involved in.
``Aside from raising money, the best part about it was seeing literally the whole school turn out for the event.''
What she's learned: ``In life, there are two kinds of people, those who will and those who will not. It takes a lot of skill to lead those who will not.
``I love my friends and being with them, but there are more important things like helping the community and the school.
``I'm a leader, but I also know my place.''
Obstacles: ``People who see a problem and don't look for solutions. And those who are stuck on tradition and are not willing to look at new ideas.''
Future plans: ``Next year, as class president, I would like to help unify the school. Then we can work together to make us proud of our school.
``My top priority is succeeding in my personal goals, which include school work and community action.
``It's important for teens to get involved and become a part of the community. It's important to remember where your roots are.''
\ 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).
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. Include your name and phone number. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010
by CNB