ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996                 TAG: 9606060051
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 

SHAWSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATION '96

Commencement: 8 tonight, Shawsville High School

90th class to graduate from Shawsville

Valedictorian: Shannon Radford

Salutatorian: Scott English

Number of graduates: 65

Number going to college: 34

Number going into military: 3

Number going to work: 28

Class president: Shannon Radford

"We're like a family," Radford said of her class. "They watch out for you when something happens and they're always there to help you out."

Since elementary school her classmates have been a close-knit group. This fall, Radford said, she'll be "one in 12,000, knowing nobody" when she heads to James Madison University.

What scares her more than college is the possibility that her class will lose touch.

"We're glad to get that diploma in our hand, but most of us are sad to be leaving because we've really enjoyed our time here."

Ten years from now, when they gather for their decade reunion, Radford said, her classmates will reminisce about the crazy things they did in high school.

"Some people in the class, we'll just always remember some of the things they said or did."

Saturday, most of the class will head for a week at Myrtle Beach, S.C., for one more chance to make some memories.

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