ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 3, 1997 TAG: 9704040100
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-4 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Have you heard?
In Wanda Flora's class at Breckinridge Elementary School, her students sometimes achieve big accomplishments. But they consist of things most of us take for granted each day, like standing, talking and swallowing food.
Flora was recently awarded a $600 scholarship from United Commercial Travelers of America to continue her work at Lynchburg College toward a master's degree in teaching children with severe disabilities. She received her bachelor's degree from Radford University in 1991 to teach kindergarten through fourth grade and those with mental retardation.
Now in her fourth year at the Botetourt County school, Flora teaches children who range from 5 to 14 years old and who will likely require assisted living for the rest of their lives.
Most of Flora's students are in wheelchairs. Much of her day involves feeding the children, repositioning them, providing physical therapy and teaching skills that will help them live - if just a little - more independently.
Flora finds the work very rewarding. "I usually have the same children for several years, so they become like part of my family," she said. "What most people see as a small accomplishment is very large to them."
"We do a lot of sensory integration work with the children, trying to get a reaction."
One student, who cannot speak, is learning to use a "Rocking Switch." When the child pushes a picture representing an activity, the machine talks - enabling the child to communicate. Another student, who has the potential to walk one day, undergoes daily physical therapy exercises.
When the children succeed, Flora said, the feeling is wonderful. "I feel like I've done my job. With these children you don't see a lot of accomplishments, so when you do it's hard to explain the joy you feel."
Ever since she was a child herself, Flora knew she wanted to be a teacher. Working with disadvantaged children was a natural progression for her. "My mother worked with mentally disabled children, so I grew up with it," she said.
The scholarship award will help Flora pay for classes at Lynchburg College. The private institution is the only school in the area that offers the degree she wants. She commutes to class once a week, after teaching all day. Flora has been making "the long ride to Lynchburg" for four years now, taking one class at a time, which allows her to continue teaching full time while she studies. She expects to receive her master's degree in another year or so. |MILITARY| THE NAVAL AND MARINE CORPS RESERVE CENTER, on Barnes Avenue, Roanoke, recently announced outstanding service recognitions for two Roanoke sailors. Personnelman 1st Class Edward Wells received the Sailor of the Quarter award and Yeoman 1st Class Cynthia M. Ingram received the Sailor of the Year award. |CAMPUS| PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY at Virginia Western Community College recently announced a list of inductees. From Roanoke: Heather L. Anderson, Marcella A. Archuleta, Lisa L. Bandy, Kimberly S. Bell, Trevor N. Bosen, Paul D. Bostic, Philip Bradford, Bryan H. Burke, Susan D. Clyburn, Kimberly D. Cook, Arlene T. Culverhouse, Sunnie deBearn, Marianne Demko, Kumryun Fluty, Christine L. Gist, Andrea L. Hartman, Michael W. Henson Sr., Toni N. Henson, Courtney K. Houston, Gary W. Hutchinson, Gregory M. Jennings, Yasuko Kumazawa, Pamela G. McAdams, Clinton F. McCusker, Diane L. Machado, Irene Malachowsky, Cynthia T. Markwell, William J. Martin, Elizabeth L. Morgan, Rena D. Musyt, Carolyn M. Noland, Ruby I. Palauro, Mary B. Poff, William H. Potter Jr., Mary K. Rayl, Deborah B. Reid, Stacey M. Ricotta, Ellen M. Rosen, Susan M. Sheets, Rabih H. Sinno, Kristin B. Surface, Dorothy K. Taylor, Diane C. Whitmore, Samuel P. Williams and Christi L. Young. From Salem: Samantha L. Ayers, Heath H. Campbell, Emily M. Hartle, Jennifer A. Houchin, Valerie L. Mullins, Sandra M. Proffitt, Susan E. Schofield, John C. Shields, Brooke M. Spencer, JoAnn Statzer and Howard D. Wood.
From Vinton: Stephanie F. Handley, Tracy L. Harper, Leeanna F. McCallum, Denise L. Proctor, Kathyrn St. Clair and Linda Wiles-Williamson. From Catawba: Kristin A. Rea. From Fincastle: Ida M. Iacovone. From Cloverdale: Martha E. Wilson.
SHELBERT GARLAND DANIELS, of Roanoke, was recently inducted into the Radford University chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Daniels is a junior pre-business major. |COMMUNITY| THE BRAMBLETON JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB recently announced its officers for 1997: Kelly Baker, president; Beth Bankston, vice president; Martha Faris, treasurer; Paige Comer; secretary.
Submit items to Jon Cawley in care of the Neighbors section by mail at P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010, by fax at 981-3346, or by e-mail at jonc@roanoke.com
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