THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 24, 1995 TAG: 9503220111
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY XIAOHONG ZHANG SWAIN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
Joseph DiMaria II, an 18-year-old senior at Indian River High School, dreams of establishing a global network of doctors who share their knowledge in medicine and spread medical expertise wherever it is needed.
``My main goal in going into medicine is to help people,'' he said. ``I want to make a contribution to the society.''
DiMaria believes the key to solving the world's problems is international cooperation.
``The world is broken up by sexism, racism and differences in religion,'' he said. ``We need to bring it to unity. Through international cooperation, the world can come together.''
With a record of academic excellence and active campus and community involvement, DiMaria received the ``Outstanding Youth Award'' for 1994 from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. He also won the ``Teenager of the Year'' title given by the area Kiwanis Club and the ``Hampton Roads Young Achievers Award'' presented by television station WAVY-10.
Education is important to DiMaria.
``I try to give 100 percent in every class I take,'' he said. ``I want to build a solid foundation for college.''
David Self, who teaches advanced placement government at Indian River High School, has noticed DiMaria's unusual interest in the college freshman level course.
``He takes the course as if he's going to be a government major, even though he's not,'' Self said. ``He's well aware of the issues and what's going on in Congress. He makes me feel more energetic in teaching.''
DiMaria has attended the Medical College of Virginia Governor's School, the Russian Studies Governor's School and American Legion Boys' State. He credits these events and other extracurricular activities with broadening his horizon.
He especially treasures the four weeks of the Russian studies program.
``I roomed with a Russian exchange student,'' he recalled. ``I was surprised to find out how many things we have in common. I felt bad to find out how many luxuries we have that they don't have.''
While staying on top in academics, DiMaria gains experience as a leader on campus. Among his various organizational duties are being the captain of the Academic Challenge Team, president of the Chess Team, a youth leader for Pals For Peers and founder of the Computer Club.
In the community, DiMaria is one of two student members on Chesapeake's Youth Committee.
``Right now, we focus on crime prevention,'' DiMaria said of the committee.
DiMaria said he wants to become politically active. He regrets that he couldn't vote last year because he was five days shy of the voting age.
``Yes, this year I'm going to vote,'' he said excitedly.
DiMaria moved to Chesapeake from Pennsylvania in 1986 with his parents, Patricia and Joseph DiMaria. His mother is a homemaker and his father is an electronic technician working at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk.
``Both of my parents are very supportive,'' he said. ``They allow me to handle stuff on my own.''
In his spare time, DiMaria takes joy in helping out his neighbors, by offering to set up their computers or by tutoring their children.
When by himself at home, he likes to experiment with electronics. He has built a satisfying three-way stereo speaker system and designed a portable laser for special-effect lighting. He also enjoys tinkering with his silver Chrysler LeBaron.
``If you want something done right,'' said DiMaria, ``you do it yourself.''
DiMaria will graduate from high school on June 15 this year. He has applied for several scholarships, and he's waiting for results. He just received a $1,000 fund from the Wal-Mart Foundation scholarship program.
Harvard University is on top of DiMaria's college choices.
``Harvard is so prestigious,'' DiMaria said. ``It has excellent research facilities. And what I'm going to do in college is research.''
Other prospective schools include the College of William and Mary, University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins University.
``I hope to be accepted at all of them,'' DiMaria said, with an ambitious smile. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Joseph DiMaria II has a record of academic excellence and is active
in campus and community affairs.
by CNB