ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 17, 1997 TAG: 9703180099
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Extra Credit
SOURCE: EMILY DUNNE/THE ROANOKE TIMES
Name: Lauryn Blevins
Age: 17
School: Cave Spring High School
Year: Senior
What she's done for others: Lauryn has volunteered at the Rescue Mission of Roanoke since 1992. She started serving meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and in 1994, began baby-sitting children while their parents took parenting classes. Now, she helps men in a drug rehabilitation program prepare for the General Educational Development test.
"At first I wasn't really focused until I sat down and talked with her," said Greg Wimbush, whom Lauryn tutors in algebra. "She's a great inspiration to me."
Lauryn designed the GED tutoring program with Cave Spring classmate Alison Wilkins. The two are working toward a Gold Award in Girl Scouts, which is equivalent to Eagle Scout status in Boy Scouts. Lauryn has been a Girl Scout for almost 12 years.
At Cave Spring, Lauryn is on the Guidance Committee, which helps new students adjust to the school. And as a member of Peers Always Lending Support she helps new students during her summer vacation.
"I don't mind asking her to do anything," said Lauryn's guidance counselor, Toni Tillman. "She'll give 150 percent. She's sort of an unsung hero. I just can't say enough good things about her."
Lauryn also volunteers for Trust Teenline, a crisis hot line, and teaches Sunday school class for 4- and 5-year-olds at Westhampton Christian Church of Roanoke.
Other activities: Lauryn plays bassoon in the Roanoke Youth Symphony as well as in Cave Spring's symphonic band, and plays tenor saxophone in the school's marching band and stage band. She is a member of the Student Government Association and was a home room representative for three years.
I would like people to think of me as ...: "As a person who really accepts different cultures and people."
In my free time I like to ...: "I love listening to music and playing music. I like reading a lot and being with my friends."
What I'd like to change about the world ...: "There's a lot of things I could say I'd like to change. I really am against violence. I wish other countries would get along better and learn to work together. I wish people could respect each other and the environment for future generations."
Most important issue facing teen-agers today: "Drinking's always been a big thing at our school. I wish it could be controlled and that people could be more sensible. When you do something stupid like drinking, you often end up hurting someone else."
The toughest lesson I've learned so far is ...: "To appreciate what I have in life. After working at the Rescue Mission, I see how lucky I am."
My greatest thrill has been ...: "Working with the kids [at the Rescue Mission]. When I first started working with them, they didn't trust us. But by the end, they liked us and looked forward to seeing us. That really meant a lot to me. If the men I'm working with now pass their GED, I'd love to see that happen."
My major goal in life is ...: "A lot of things are really important to me. Making a difference in someone's life. I strive to be the best individual person I can be."
My dream date: "Someone who can understand my train of thought. Sometimes I come up with some really random thoughts. Someone who would look at me as who I am."
Plans: Lauryn was accepted early decision to Mary Washington College. She would like to teach English or music or be an ambassador to the United Nations, which she said "would be a challenge."
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: DON PETERSEN/THE ROANOKE TIMES. Lauryn Blevins tutorsby CNBadult men at The Rescue Mission. color.