Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 22, 1995 TAG: 9511220074
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
For an honor graduate from Richlands High School, it was a harsh introduction to differences in the quality of public education.
When Richard Cranwell enrolled at Virginia Tech more than three decades ago, he was told he would have to take noncredit English and math classes because his high school courses had not prepared him for college.
Cranwell didn't forget that experience when he was elected to the General Assembly and became the Democratic majority leader in the House of Delegates.
He said it's one reason he has worked so hard for more state money for public schools, particularly those in poorer counties, and has opposed cuts in education funds.
"The cuts hurt schools in our area worse than in the wealthier localities because of the state funding formula," he said.
Cranwell was one of nearly 40 recipients of "Whole Village" awards from the Roanoke County Education Association for his efforts to reduce disparity and obtain more state money for schools.
The awards take their name from the African proverb that says it takes a whole village - not teachers alone - to educate a child.
The teachers' organization recognizes business leaders, parents, grandparents, volunteers, politicians, School Board members, police officers and others who have made a special contribution to education.
"These are people that we feel should be recognized for their efforts," said Judy Deyerle, president of the teachers' group. "They have worked on projects or made extraordinary contributions."
The teachers initiated the awards three years ago and pay all costs, including a reception to recognize the recipients.
This year's recipients range from Cranwell, the best-known and one of the most powerful politicians in the state, to Parent-Teacher Association leaders and school secretaries.
Carol Nichols, custodian at Bent Mountain Elementary School, received an award for her volunteer work for the school. Mary Lucas, president of the Cave Spring PTA, also was a winner.
Other winners included School Board Chairman Jerry Canada and board members Frank Thomas and Maurice "Buck" Mitchell; David Wymer, social studies supervisor for county schools; Lorraine Lange, supervisor of language arts; Ruth Wade, School Board clerk; David Blevins, Hidden Valley Junior High School principal; and George Snead, Roanoke's director of public safety.
Snead and Lange head two committees for the Goals 2000 program of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
by CNB