THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502240186
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Despite adversity, Deep Creek High School senior Tiffany Wilson is determined to live every day to the fullest.
``I started out young getting involved in things,'' said Wilson, who feels good most of the time in spite of Crohn's disease, which sometimes limits her activities. ``. . . My mom has pushed me along the way to be the best that I can be.''
Wilson was chosen by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce's Chesapeake Division to receive this year's Outstanding Youth Award.
``It recognizes a high school student who is doing well in school,'' said Pete Stoughton, an education subcommittee member. ``But, more importantly, we were looking for someone who is involved in school and community activities - a well-rounded student. Tiffany is just involved in a lot of activities in the community, and we thought she was worthy of recognition.
``The award is rather prestigious in itself,'' he said. ``Hopefully, she can use the award in resumes, college applications and on down the road in her life.''
A plaque presented by the Chamber of Commerce is displayed on the mantle of Wilson's home along with other awards - first place in the 1995 United States Coast Guard Black History Essay Contest; second place, 1995 Sons of the American Revolution Oratorical Contest; third place in the 1995 American Legions Oratorical Contest; and a first-place award in the Deep Creek High School 1995 Parent-Teacher Association Cultural Arts Reflections Essay Contest.
In 1994, Wilson was Miss Deep Creek High School, Deep Creek Senior Homecoming Court representative, second runner-up in the Mr. and Mrs. Black Teenage World Pageant, the 1993 and 1994 second-place winner in the Baptist Sunday School and Training Union Congress Oratorical Contest, a National Honor Society member, a Hampton Roads Young Achiever, NAACP Youth Council president and a Chesapeake Leadership Forum member.
She's a member of the French Club and a dance major at the Virginia Governor's School for the Arts and finds time to volunteer for the Chesapeake Jubilee, Autumn Care and to answer phones during United Negro College fund drives.
Her college plans include majoring in television broadcasting.
``I want to host a teen TV show and make a positive difference in young people's lives,'' she said smiling through her braces.
Now she's preparing to enter the Miss Chesapeake pageant.
Full name: Tiffany LaNae Wilson
Grew up: ``We came to Chesapeake from Suffolk in the sixth grade.''
Fond memories: ``Going to Paris with the French Club for a nine-day tour and seeing the Eiffel Tower. I learned a lot about the French culture.''
Occupation: Student
Hobbies: ``Dancing, playing the piano, writing. I love to write. Trying to motivate others. I love to talk to people. When I have time, I love to spend time on the phone.''
Last book read: ``The Autobiography of Malcolm X.''
Favorite song: ``Candy Rain'' by Soul for Real.
Favorite movie: ``The Color Purple''
Can't resist: Eating bread
Greatest accomplishment: ``It's between my leadership ability and my writing ability.''
Favorite TV program: ``Me and the Boys''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``Carver's is pretty good.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Sleeping and getting a chance to relax.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Deep Creek senior Tiffany Wilson enjoys volunteering for the
Chesapeake Jubilee and Autumn Care.
by CNB