THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 29, 1995 TAG: 9511280117
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: CARROLLTON LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
IF A CHILD ISN'T IN CLASS at Carrollton Elementary School, Tracey Peden knows it.
She is the attendance clerk, the sole person in charge of tracking the whereabouts of 847 students every school day.
On an average day, about 15 kids miss school, she says.
But by the end of the year, she adds, half the students have achieved perfect attendance records.
``Most parents push their kids to go to school,'' Peden says. And other than the occasional child who insists the bus didn't show up, she says the usual reasons for absences are illness and family travel.
``In the three years I've been here, I haven't really heard any wild excuses from a child.''
In addition to keeping attendance records, Peden does other office work and sometimes helps out in the nurse's office.
After working in four county schools the past eight years, Peden says she would like to pursue a career as a teacher.
``Teachers play a very important role in a child's life,'' she says. ``They not only teach them academics, but they also teach them manners and respect for other adults.
``Teachers should be commended for all that they do because they do so much.''
Name: Tracey Lynn Peden
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? I have lived here all my life.
Birthdate/hometown: Oct. 10, 1969/Zuni
What's your fondest childhood memory? Growing up with the Shady Pond Gang, a group of 10 kids in my neighborhood that hung out together.
Marital status and children: Single/no children
Pets: One very spoiled cat.
What was your first job/worst job? Buck Office Supply in Suffolk. I have learned from each job I've had.
Occupation: Office assistant and attendance clerk at Carrollton Elementary School.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? I would like to be a teacher.
What's your favorite hangout? Sports Emporium in Franklin.
Favorite night out on the town? Dancing and hanging out with my friends.
Favorite food/drink: Seafood and iced tea.
Favorite Movies: ``Dirty Dancing,'' ``Of Mice and Men'' and ``When a Man Loves a Woman.''
Book you wish everyone would read: Anything educational.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? A cruise to the Bahamas.
Few people know that . . . I am not all that shy.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would pay off all my bills and take a vacation.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Be careful. It's rough out there.'' By the best boss and principal around, Lloyd G. Martin.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? I am very understanding and patient. I try to help everyone I can.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? I have no problems being myself.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Graduating from Windsor High School and P.D. Pruden Vo-Tech School. Also, working in the Isle of Wight County school system for eight years.
Something you wish to say but haven't: Don't take life for granted. Enjoy each moment that you can! ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB