
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 17, 1994                    TAG: 9406160064 
SECTION: DAILY BREAK                     PAGE: E13    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: 940617                                 LENGTH: Medium

GRADUATES DON'T LOOK GIFT HORSE IN MOUTH

{LEAD} THEY SURVIVED 12 long years of pop quizzes, homework and seemingly endless classes. It seems only fair that all those long-suffering high school seniors get a nice graduation gift for their big accomplishment.

But what do they really want? Six students at Franklin High School said their of the ultimate graduation gift ranged from the practical to the lavish.

{REST} Whether or not they reflect the standards of a less materialistic generation, most said a show of support from friends and family was more important than a material gift. And a couple of the students said that laboring through 12 years of school doesn't mean they automatically deserve a gift from parents.

``If I had money I'd get my parents something just because they put up with me,'' said senior Jason Scislowicz, 17.

Still, tickets to the World Cup soccer finals in California would be nice, Jason said. Decent seats cost about $200 - if you order early.

For junior Clay Councill, 17, the ultimate gift would come not from a parent or a friend, but from a college: a four-year scholarship.

``It's the greatest gift I'm thinking about these days,'' Clay said. ``I think a full-ride to play some sports or purely academic - it doesn't really matter how you get the money, the bills have still got to be paid.''

Junior Traci Shirley, 17, said her choice would be a practical present, like a computer. ``I could type up my papers and be on schedule with my college studies,'' she said.

Ever since Henry Ford's horseless carriage transformed America into a mobile society, a new set of wheels has always been a safe bet for the grad. Senior James Claude Jr., 17, would settle for a BMW.

``Even if I had to walk on bare feet, I'd give up everything for that car,'' Claude said.

Sophomores Shannon Smith and Lynette Blunt, both 15, were more sentimental. Shannon wants a final bash with friends before heading off to college.

``The one thing before I buckle down and really start working on what I want to do for the rest of my life would be that one last party,'' Shannon said.

Lynette said a small gift or verbal recognition from loved ones would suit her fine.

``It doesn't have to be something big, or something costly, but just something that you can remember your family (by) when you go off to college,'' Lynette said.

Are there any totally uncool gifts?

``Underwear,'' Jason said.

``Well, not if you need it,'' countered Shannon. by CNB