ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606060020
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-48 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
When Petrina Paradzinski volunteered as a teen counselor, reading tutor and nursing home visitor, she just wanted to help others. She never thought about awards.
But others recognized her dedication - and urged her to participate in a national program that honors outstanding young people for volunteer work and community service.
Paradzinski, a senior at Craig County High School, recently received the Congressional Award Bronze Medal. She was recognized for her work as a Teen-line counselor and a reading tutor. As a volunteer for the Roanoke Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, she has taken animals to nursing homes to cheer up the residents.
The Congressional Award for young people between 14 and 23 was established through a bipartisan effort in Congress in 1979.
The Bronze Medal requires a minimum of 200 hours in community service and personal improvement over at least seven months.
Paradzinski was cited particularly for helping other teen-agers get through difficult periods.
"Functioning as a teen peer counselor, [she] assisted teen-agers facing stressful life experiences. She listened, counseled and advised them through the application of her training and experience," the citation read.
Paradzinski had to keep a record of her volunteer work and other activities.
"Her dedication has been inspirational. I have enjoyed reading and responding to her journal throughout this process," said John Bolte Jr., an English teacher at Craig County High.
In her personal improvement program, Paradzinski upgraded her skills as a flutist, completed a physical fitness program and took a camping and hiking expedition.
Paradzinski said the volunteer work was rewarding. "I've learned that through perseverance you can accomplish anything, and that gratifying experiences come from helping people."
She plans to attend Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C., where she will study psychology and hopes to become a counselor.
Paradzinski is one of 46 seniors at Craig County High.
Approximately 40 percent of the graduates will continue their education at either a two-year or four-year college. Five seniors, including Paradzinski, will attend schools outside Virginia.
James Huffman will attend Cornell University in Ithaca, N. Y., and Elizabeth Brammer will enroll at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Kelly Tyzinski will go to Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pa., and James Fisher will attend Potomac State College in Keyser, W.Va.
Several graduates will enroll at Virginia schools, including Virginia Tech, James Madison and the College of William and Mary. Others will attend Virginia Western Community College.
Some graduates find it hard to leave the close-knit community in Craig where students attend school together and form close friendships from the time they enter kindergarten. The county has only one elementary school and one high school, which are in the same complex.
But not all the graduates are sad to leave
"I'm ready to go away to college," Paradzinski said. "I'm looking forward to it."
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Paradzinski (headshot)by CNB