ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, May 6, 1996                    TAG: 9605070086
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER 

A PAT ON THE BACK TO: HUNTER ATKINSON

Name: Hunter Atkinson

Age: 17

School: Cave Spring High School, Roanoke County

Year: Senior

What he's done for others: Hunter started his volunteer career at age 11 at the Science Museum of Western Virginia. He has helped out at Roanoke Festival in the Park and First Night. Now, he volunteers once a week at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke, working in the pharmacy, screening patients and helping at the front desk.

``Since I started [volunteering], I found that I like giving back to the community,'' Hunter said. ``It doesn't take that much time and it allows you to meet people. They're always thankful you're there. That feels good. I've seen how much help some organizations really need.''

``Hunter is a wonderful volunteer,'' said Estelle Avner, executive director of the clinic. ``He helps us in numerous ways and sometimes comes in on days off from school and does whatever is needed."

He's interested in helping other people, she said, and "he enjoys his volunteer work.''

For the past five years, Hunter has been manager of the junior high and high school boys' basketball teams. He also has worked his way up through the ranks to become lighting and sound director for stage productions at Cave Spring High School. He also helps out with some junior high presentations.

``Hunter is our resident student expert for helping with productions,'' said Martha Cobble, Cave Spring High School principal. ``Any time someone needs him to be of service, he wants to know how, what, when and where. He's so good to work with. I told him he can't graduate until we find his replacement.

``It means so much to the school and community to have someone who really wants to help out. A lot of times, he's not in high-profile positions, but in positions of service - and he's the one who feels enriched. He's a very special young man.''

While at Cave Spring Junior High, Hunter received the school's service award.

He has been a member of the youth planning council at Second Presbyterian Church, has volunteered in the church office and was chosen as youth representative to a four-state gathering of presbyteries.

I would like people to think of me as: ``... a person who is willing to care for others and not always interested in putting myself first.''

In my free time I like to: ``I don't have a lot left, but I like to read Michael Crichton novels, science fiction, just about anything.''

What I'd like to change about the world: ``Most people tend to look out only for themselves. They need to realize their well-being and personal satisfaction is not all there is to life. They can enjoy doing other things, helping others, enjoying nature.''

What I'd like to change about myself: ``I wish I would put more effort toward school. Sometimes, I tend to get caught up in things. If there's an important project going on, I have trouble saying no.''

Most important issue facing teen-agers today: ``Peer pressure is a very important issue, to fit in with the crowd. Not following your own standards might lead to trouble.''

The toughest lesson I've learned so far is: ``... that some adults do not respect teen-agers for who they are and what they're doing. I've had some people who want to speak to the person in charge, not to me.''

My major goal in life is: ``... to give back to a world that has given me so much. I want to help others enjoy life.''

People I most admire: ``I could probably include 2,000 - those who commit to a project and go above and beyond the call of duty even though they're not recognized for their efforts.''

People who have influenced you: ``The former Christian education minister of my church encouraged me to excel and strive in life for the things I wanted. He taught me right from wrong and moral values.''

Future plans: Hunter plans to major in computer science at Virginia Tech. In the long term, he plans to leave his options open and ``see where life goes from there.''

LENGTH: Medium:   80 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  ROGER HART/Staff. Cave Spring High School senior Hunter 
          Atkinson. color.