THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 18, 1994 TAG: 9411180486
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALICIA LUMA, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
The YWCA of South Hampton Roads on Thursday night recognized 18 young women who, while still in high school, have contributed to the empowerment of their gender and the elimination of racism.
One female upperclassman from each of 18 local high schools was honored during the YWCA's 12th annual Teen Recognition Dinner.
In the past, these awards were given to young women who had done things such as volunteering to work with the children of battered women and answering the phones for the Women in Crisis HELPLINE.
This year the criteria for nomination included young women who, through extracurricular activities, have shown a dedication to the elimination of racism.
Elena Paselio of Green Run High and Amy Doll of Salem High were chosen as the two $350 scholarship winners.
Though responding to issues facing women and promoting racial harmony are the main focuses of these awards, there are many other factors, said Marlene Joe, YWCA youth program director. Interest in and concern for peers, scholarship, and leadership ability are evaluated by the judges during interviews.
Jennifer Smartschan, a senior at First Colonial High School, was recognized for the balance she has kept between volunteer work and school.
Jennifer is an SPCA volunteer and for three years has volunteered at the Virginia Marine Science Museum.
She also is president of the honor society and captain of the tennis club.
``It's good to single out females from each school and reward them for their contributions,'' Jennifer said.
``It really gives them confidence.''
All local high schools were invited to nominate their students, and most did.
Judges were Greta Gustavson, Deena McNeil and Carol Stevens, all arelocal women.
Marlene Joe started the awards program because she believes ``the young women need to be recognized for their accomplishments and the time they invest in these programs.''
A senior at Norview High School, Nicole Bly, was recognized at the dinner for community service.
She distributes food to the needy through a local church.
``I think many teens don't do community service,'' Nicole said, ``because they think they don't have time. Well, they spend their time doing other things and maybe people will pay more attention to it now.
``It's good we're being recognized.'' MEMO: Alicia Luma is a home-school student in her junior year. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
WINNERS
These young women were recognized as part of National YWCA Teen
Week:
Elena Paselio, Green Run High School, scholarship winner
Amy Doll, Salem High School, scholarship winner
Angel Rogers, Bayside High School
Jennifer Sandoval, Kellam High School
Elizabeth Douglas, Kempsville High School
Nancy Costa, Norfolk Collegiate School
Amy Mosier, Deep Creek High School
Laura Burkhardt, Nansemond River High School
Krista Goehring, Kempsville High School
Melissa Smith, Oscar Smith High School
Nicole Bly, Norview High School
Raynette Boone, Lakeland High School
Tiffany Wade, Booker T. Washington High School
Catherine Thiel, Great Bridge High School
Janeen Perry, I.C. Norcom High School
Jeannine Simpson, Indian River High School
Rachel Gaines, Granby High School
Jennifer Smartschan, First Colonial High School
by CNB