ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, February 19, 1996 TAG: 9602200031
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Extra Credit
Name: Dionne Waugh
Age: 16
School: Cave Spring High School
Year: Sophomore
What she's done for others: Dionne spends part of her Sunday afternoons reading the newspaper aloud at the Radio Reading Service in Roanoke. Her voice is heard by the visually impaired.
``I think it's good to help out in the community. I thought it would be a nice thing to do,'' Dionne said.
Dionne and a partner read articles alternately. ``It's really a lot of fun.'' She prepares for a half-hour, then reads for two hours. The program is re-broadcast later that evening.
``Dionne is actively involved on a regular basis,'' said Ben Martin, director of the reading service. ``She's an excellent volunteer, very dedicated.
``I was surprised someone that age was willing to make a commitment and be enthusiastic about it, as well.''
Dionne is also in the process of choosing an abortion-rights group to volunteer with.
What she enjoys most: ``Hanging out with friends and writing.'' Dionne writes every day, either a poem or part of a story. She also enjoys playing recreational soccer and softball.
Other activities: Dionne attends various churches with her friends, ``because I like to study about different religions.''
I would like people to think of me as: ``Unique. People know who I am because of my writing.
``I don't like to act like my friends or dress like my friends,'' she added.
In my free time I like to: ``Rock climb at Rocwood,'' Roanoke Parks and Recreation's indoor climbing wall. She is planning to learn outdoor climbing in the spring.
What I'd like to change about the world: ``Definitely the environment, because I'd like to last for a while. I also don't like all the prejudice around.''
What I'd like to change about myself: ``I've got to work harder in school. I can do it, I know I can. I just don't want to put the time into it.''
Most important issue facing teen-agers today: ``It's a tie between sex and drugs. College pressure, too. I'm starting to feel that now.''
The toughest lesson I've learned so far is: ``To try and forgive someone. It's hard to forgive and forget.''
My greatest thrill has been: ``When I went rock climbing and finally got to the top.''
My major goal in life is: ``To be a writer of poems and stories.'' Dionne is a sports writer for her school's newspaper. ``Sports are of interest to me and I want to understand more about them.''
Most important lesson I've learned in life: ``To treat people with respect - not to stoop to their level.''
People I most admire: ``My sister, Jessica. She's 18 years older than me and we have the same birthday.
``I see things my way and don't go along with others' points of view. Jessica puts things in perspective for me and prevents me from doing something I might have regretted later.''
Future plans: ``I want to graduate from high school with an advanced studies diploma, then go to a college with a good English department because that's what I want to major in.''
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Don Petersen. color.by CNB