ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601110148
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA P. SMITH STAFF WRITER
``It made me feel special," LaNeal Taylor said, describing his reaction to being named to the Virginia Youth Services Council.
The council, created in mid-1995 by the Virginia Office of Volunteerism, was designed to "promote volunteer service among young people and recognize the ways in which young people are already contributing," said Katie Campbell, director of the office.
"I was kind of surprised when I got the letter that I had been accepted as a member of the council because there were so many applicants," Taylor said.
The Office of Volunteerism received more than 50 nominations from all over Virginia, and 25 were appointed. Taylor, who was nominated by Sarah Holland, director of youth services at Total Action Against Poverty, is the only member from the Roanoke Valley.
Holland was asked to nominate someone she thought exemplified the qualities of a youth council candidate: a desire to improve his community; initiative; and creativity. The candidate had to be between the ages of 13 and 22.
Holland, who doesn't know Taylor personally but is a member of High Street Baptist Church along with Taylor and his parents, was impressed with the way Taylor carried himself when she saw him at church activities.
"He is a courteous young man. He is concerned about his peer group, but he doesn't seem to be a follower. And, he has an interest in helping people," Holland said.
Once, Holland recalled, as an elderly woman in a wheelchair came out of High Street, her hat blew off. There were other teens standing around, but they paid no attention to the woman. Taylor retrieved the woman's hat and gave it back to her.
Taylor also volunteered to build a bookshelf for the youth center at High Street.
In the beginning, Taylor's volunteerism was a matter of self-interest.
"There was nothing to do here, and I just wanted something to do that would keep my mind and body busy," Taylor said.
To achieve that, Taylor volunteered with Festival in the Park and First Night Roanoke. He is also active in his church.
Taylor's parents also helped him find things to occupy his time.
When Taylor was 7 years old, his parents, Lee and Nancy Taylor, got him involved in Boy Scouts. Because of his volunteer work, Taylor was awarded the Eagle Scout ranking, the highest a Scout can receive.
"We have always tried to keep him on a positive note," his mother said.
Taylor's parents are proud of what he has accomplished during his years of volunteer work.
"We have always supported him in his projects, and we are proud of him," Nancy Taylor said. "And, we will be supportive of him in any of his future projects with the council."
Taylor's desire for helping others also has helped him choose a career path.
After graduating from Cave Spring High School, Taylor plans to go to college in the fall to major in clinical psychology.
"I want to be in a field where I can work with child development or be a guidance counselor," Taylor said.
In response to a question on the membership application for the council, Taylor wrote that there is nothing for most young people to do to occupy their time.
"The council should come to the rescue of youth today. And when I say rescue, I don't mean just sending money to the communities. They should get in there and do something."
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: WAYNE DEEL/Staff. LaNeal Taylor is Roanoke's only memberby CNBof the Virginia Youth Services Council. Because he wanted to keep
busy, Taylor, 17, has volunteered for many projects, earned the
Eagle Scout award and is active in his church.
He plans a career in youth counseling. color.