THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501130203
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
TWENTY YEARS AGO, a marketing teacher at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake sold Michele Duncan on the idea of teaching.
Today, Duncan teaches marketing education to about 60 students at Nansemond River High School. She is also the school adviser for Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).
DECA members work part-time at community businesses and compete in their job areas, often with students from other schools. They participate in various community activities, such as ``A Day of Caring'' at the YMCA.
Recently, she said, 20 students went to the Y and offered, ``Tell us what to do.'' They ended up moving lockers from the closed Suffolk High School to the Y.
Duncan said the group sometimes makes Christmas cards for local nursing-home residents and sends holiday baskets to residents who don't have family.
Duncan said she likes teaching because she enjoys working with the students.
``The real challenge is teaching students good work habits,'' she said. ``We try to teach them honesty and integrity - that's the means of survival in today's society. If you don't have that, you won't make it.''
Name: Michele Duncan.
What brought you to Suffolk? My teaching job at Suffolk High School.
Hometown: Norfolk.
Birthdate: Oct. 17, 1957.
Occupation: Marketing education teacher/coordinator.
Marital status: Married to Dale.
Children: One.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump.''
Favorite magazine: ``Fortune.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? ``Job Power Now.'' It tells you how to successfully obtain employment.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and rent a movie.
Favorite bar or restaurant: George's Steak House.
Favorite food and drink: Mexican and iced tea.
Few people know . . . that I go to ceramic class each week.
What's the best thing about yourself? I try to help and volunteer as much as possible.
Worst habit: Chewing my nails.
Pets: Two dogs.
Hobbies: Crafts and reading.
Ideal vacation: Rest and relaxation.
Pet peeve: People who gossip.
First job: Cashier at McCrory's.
Worst job: None. I have gained work experience from each of them.
What achievements are you most proud of? The accomplishments of all my students.
What would you like on your epitaph? I have too many more years to live before I think about an epitaph. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JODY R. SNIDER
by CNB