THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 31, 1994 TAG: 9408300141
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Lillian Donnally, principal of the Beach's Open Campus High School, thinks it's important to know her students - all 900 of them.
``I know just about every one of them by name,'' said Donnally. ``I do well with either a first or last name.''
A former teacher, Donnally says she's a hands-on person at the adult alternative high school, which holds classes in Princess Anne High School. Life is never boring there. It's a school full of unique individuals with a lot of interesting stories, she said.
``My job is meaningful because I have the opportunity to help other people succeed in their education.''
Full name: Lillian J. Donnally.
Hometown: Born and raised in Portsmouth.
What brought you to the Beach? Work.
Birthdate: Oct. 6, 1951.
Occupation: High school principal.
Nickname: Some people call me Lil.
Marital status: Married to Vincent.
Children: Kristin, Megan and Lauren.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? I like to go to Williamsburg with my husband and my children.
Last smart thing you did: I'm always honest even if it may not be in my self-interest politically.
Last dumb thing you did: I left my keys, my checkbook, my credit cards and my money at my father's home 500 miles away.
Favorite meal: Broiled seafood.
Favorite movie: ``Gone With the Wind.''
Favorite song: Rod Stewart's ``Unplugged'' album. My favorite music is by Billy Joel and Beethoven. I play piano and love listening to music.
Last book read: ``The Agenda'' by Bob Woodward.
Hobbies: ``I play classical piano. But I sold my piano to buy my first car because I had to go to work. Then after I was married I bought another piano. I also do needlepoint. I love to travel and see new and different things, and I love to read.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I need to worry less about situations beyond my control.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? He's perfect.
Secret vice: When I'm alone in my car I turn the radio up as loud as I can.
Favorite restaurant: Lunch, Jay's Deli. Dinner, Capt. George's and the Blue Water Cafe.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner out and either a play at the Wells, symphony at the Chrysler or opera at the Harrison.
Favorite TV shows: Between ``Matlock'' and ``Perry Mason.''
Favorite sport: I like to watch football and gymnastics.
Last vacation: My husband took me to Bermuda earlier this month as a second honeymoon.
Pets: One cat that my daughter Megan adopted.
Worst job: Summer job in college in a snack bar at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. I had to make what seemed to be 1,000 sandwiches a day . . . .
Of what achievements are you most proud? I have three. I married the world's greatest husband. I'm the mother of three bright, healthy children and I've had the opportunity to plan and administer programs to help children and adults succeed in education.
What would you like on your epitaph? I want to be remembered as a giver and never a taker. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB