THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 6, 1995 TAG: 9501050058
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E14 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER CAMPUS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
AFTER WATCHING the park behind her neighborhood slowly fall apart, Laura Perry, 17, decided enough was enough.
Memories of a clean and inviting place drove Laura and a friend, Becky Ringer, to ask their Girl Scout troop how they could collectively restore the Peachtree park back into shape.
The troop took their hammers and brushes to the park and began restoration - putting slides back together, hanging swings and painting rocking horses.
The hard work paid off in two ways for Laura. Not only did she get to rebuild her childhood paradise, she received a Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouts, for her efforts.
Full name: Laura Sue Perry
Birthdate: Sept. 14, 1977
Birthplace: Erie, Pa.
Siblings: One sister, Lillian, 26
Education: Senior at Churchland High
What is your idea of a perfect day off: Sleeping in, not doing any chores and going off with my friends.
Last smart thing you did: I got mad at one of my friends last year and we stopped talking. I wrote her a letter telling her I was stupid and sorry.
Last dumb thing you did: Criticized one of my friends' girlfriends.
Favorite meal: Ham, potatoes, and carrots or green beans
Favorite movies: ``Encino Man,'' ``Judgment Night,'' ``Speed,'' ``Dazed and Confused''
Favorite singer/band: Juliana Hatfield
Last book read: ``Friends For Life'' by Ellen Emerson White
Hobbies: Gymnastics and collecting carousel horses
Best date you've been on: My first date with my boyfriend, Ryan. We went to the movies, Taco Bell, and then drove around, but it was great because I was with him.
Worst date you've been on: The date I never went on. I got stood up.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: Biting my fingernails. It's a terrible habit.
If you could change one thing about your parents, what would it be?: My curfew. It's 11 p.m. right now, and I hate it.
Secret vice: Never putting down or criticizing a person.
Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden
Favorite place to shop: Limited and JCPenney
Your favorite night out on the town: Go to a nice dinner then go to the beach.
Favorite TV shows: ``Blossom'' and ``My So-Called Life''
Last vacation: Washington, D.C.
Pets: A bird, Captain
Best job: Baby-sitting
Worst job: Every summer I work at Adventure Camp (Girl Scout) as a program aide. One year, I helped with arts and crafts and was in charge of plaster of Paris, this gooey cement stuff. I had it all over me. I haven't worked arts and crafts since.
What achievements are you most proud of?: Making the gymnastics team at Churchland, receiving the Silver Award and Marian Medal (religious award) in Girl Scouts
What would you like to be in 10 years?: An interior designer
If you could change one thing in America, what would it be and why?: Racism. It seems like we are always blaming each other. The media are even bad about it - they have segments on black teenagers and gang violence. Black people aren't the only ones in gangs. I just want everyone to get along.
Heroes and role models: My sister. I can talk to her about anything, and she has always looked out for me.
Your most unique trait: I'm outspoken. If something is on my mind, I let people know.
Best subject: Government
Worst subject: Algebra
If a movie was filmed about your life, what would be the dramatic turning point?: When my grandfather died. He had Alzheimer's disease. He fell and broke his hip, but when he was in the hospital, he fell into a coma and it made the Alzheimer's worse. He kept catching pneumonia, then he died. It was a rough couple of months for my whole family.
What makes you mad?: When people think that people are unusual or stupid just because they are trying to be an individual and not like everyone else. MEMO: Holly Wester is a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan College. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
GARY C. KNAPP/Staff
Laura Perry is a 12-year veteran of the Girl Scouts, and she has the
badges to prove it.
by CNB