THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 3, 1994 TAG: 9406020169
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY EILEEN MALEC, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: 940603 LENGTH: Medium
The Kellam High senior ranks in the top 5 percent of his class and serves as Student Cooperative Association president. Each of the past three years he has been a member of the National Honor Society, the Interclass Olympic Team and the school announcement staff.
{REST} Outside school he has volunteered at American Red Cross blood drives since 1992 and at the Judeo-Christian Homeless Shelter since 1991. He plays the guitar, loves writing poetry and short stories, and enjoys waterskiing, bodyboarding and bowling.
It's no wonder then that Haynes won the Outstanding Young Citizen of Virginia Beach Award this spring from the Virginia Beach Civitan Club.
David Shirk, the club's project coordinator and a guidance counselor at Norview Middle School in Norfolk, said nominees were judged on leadership, accomplishment, citizenship, compassion and volunteer service. Though only in its fourth year, the club received more than 20 nominations from Virginia Beach schools and churches. Haynes received a plaque and a $100 savings bond, while first runner-up Travis Patton of Cape Henry Collegiate School received a plaque and a $50 savings bond.
Until his sophomore year, Haynes was pretty much just another face in the crowd. He finally realized ``he'd get a lot more out of school if he'd just get involved,'' said his father, John, a retired Navy lieutenant commander of 20 years.
The turning point for Haynes came when he got involved with the Tidewater chapter of Chrysalis, a national organization offering retreats to enhance Christian leadership. ``It's the one thing that focused my life for everything I do at school and in the community,'' he said.
With that inspiration he ran for class president in 10th grade and lost. Not to be outdone, he signed on as the school's mascot, a knight, which involves showing up at every game, wearing a heavy rubber suit and helmet, and waving a sword around. ``I just had a lot of fun with it,'' Haynes said. The following year he ran again for class president and won.
Denise Murrell, a guidance counselor at Kellam High, nominated Haynes for the Civitan award. ``He is more concerned about how others think and feel,'' she said, ``such as purchasing drinks for the cheerleaders with his own money. There is no end to his generosity.''
Haynes arrives at school 45 minutes early to prepare for his day, which includes leading the morning Pledge of Allegiance and offering a ``thought for the day.'' He attends classes during the day and stays after school to do homework and extra-curricular activities.
But Haynes isn't all work and no play. He tries to keep his Fridays and Saturdays free for social events, which might include hiking and exploring nature, getting together with friends, volleyball or singing.
Haynes' parents have such a time keeping up with him and his younger brother Matt that they require them to write down their itineraries on a big calendar that hangs in their Ocean Lakes kitchen.
Haynes' parents also take a lot of pride in their son's achievements.
``I am really pleased to see how he has followed God's call on his life,'' said his mother, Robin, a homemaker. ``I'm proud he has been able to get involved in helping other people through leadership,'' added his father.
Haynes plans on hiding his $100 savings bond and saving it for a ``rainy day.'' This summer he will work as song leader for Tabernacle United Methodist Church at Sandbridge and as a parking lot attendant for his church. In the fall he will attend Virginia Wesleyan College on a full tuition scholarship to study English or music.
He hopes someday to become an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church or a music minister. ``I'm ready to graduate,'' Haynes said. ``I know I can do a lot more in college.''
by CNB