THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 10, 1996 TAG: 9601090073
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Sandra Baker believes in fate.
That's how the former judicial secretary to Norfolk's legendary traffic court judge - the late Vernon D. Hitchings Jr. - became a fourth-grade teacher at Luxford Elementary School and as Virginia Beach public schools' Reading Teacher of the Year.
``I always wanted to be a teacher. All my life,'' Baker said. ``I read a lot and I believe in the fates.'' And even though she spent many of her working years in another field, she eventually went to college and got into her chosen profession. ``The fates had something else planned for me all along,'' she said, adding, ``I incorporate reading, history and the cultural arts into every subject I teach.'' That means her pupils are treated to, among other things, 700-year-old Renaissance music, ancient Egyptian chants and huge doses of one of her favorite writers - Shakespeare.
Full name: Sandra D. Baker.
Hometown: Born in Fort Meade, Md., but consider Virginia my home. I've lived here since 1969.
What brought you to the Beach? I got married and bought a house.
Birthdate: Oct. 14, 1953.
Occupation: ``Dedicated'' teacher.
Nickname: Sandy.
Marital status: Married - 23 1/2 years.
Children: One - the joy and love of my life - Ciana.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Spending time with my family, going to museums, reading.
Last smart thing you did: Decided to become a teacher and teach at Luxford - the best at the Beach.
Last dumb thing you did: Burned newly received city stickers in the fireplace.
Favorite meal: Anything with crab and/or pasta in it.
Favorite movies: ``Wuthering Heights'' (Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon), ``Rebecca'' (Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine).
Favorite song: Any song by the Beatles, especially ``Hey Jude.''
Last book read: ``First Man in Rome'' by Colleen McCullough.
Hobbies: Reading, Egyptology, all fine arts.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd be more diligent in my exercise program.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing.
Secret vice: Chocolate.
Favorite restaurant: Steinhilber's.
Your favorite night on the town: Enjoy a good dinner and go to a play.
Favorite TV shows: ``The Nanny,'' ``M.A.S.H.,'' ``Designing Women.''
Favorite sport: Baseball.
Last vacation: Disney World (1994). Favorite was Europe.
Pets: Nicci, a Chinese pug.
Worst job: None. Every job was a ``learning'' experience.
Of what achievements are you most proud? No. 1 is my daughter, Ciana. No. 2 is becoming a teacher.
What would you like as your epitaph? ``This above all: To thine own self be true'' by Shakespeare. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
by CNB