THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 14, 1996 TAG: 9601120168
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 Questions
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
WHILE GROWING UP in a family of educators, Melinda Boone vowed that she would never pursue a career in education.
``I wanted a career in the scientific field,'' Boone said. ``My father had a hearing problem, and I wanted to become a speech pathologist.''
Upon graduation from Suffolk High School in 1977, Boone majored in communication disorders with a pre-med emphasis at Hampton University, and in 1983, received a master's degree in audiology at the University of Illinois.
After returning to Suffolk to marry her high school sweetheart, Boone was disappointed to find that there were few jobs open in the local area in the field of audiology. She applied for a substitute teaching position and was hired as a school speech pathologist for Suffolk Public Schools in 1984.
In 1989, Boone earned an advance certificate in educational administration and supervision and became the supervisor of special education for Franklin City Schools.
``I never thought anything could be as rewarding as special education,'' Boone said.
Boone recently returned to Suffolk Schools as the coordinator of Pupil Personnel and Testing. In addition, she is working on her dissertation and plans to receive a doctorate at the College of William and Mary in May, 1997.
``I would like to be able to work with other people to make a difference,'' she said.
Boone is a choir member, junior choir director and a member of the Board of Trustees at the First Baptist Church, Mahan Street. She is also chairman of both the Western Tidewater Community Services Board and the Virginia Association of Community Services Board.
What brought you here? Native Suffolkian and have always lived here. I returned to work with Suffolk City Schools.
Birthdate: Oct. 11
Fondest childhood memory: Growing up in a loving, caring, supportive family
Family: Married to Reginald L. Boone; two daughters, Regina, 11, in the sixth grade at John Yeates Middle School and Alyssa, 5.
Pets: My daughter, Regina, has a hamster named ``Sparky''
First job/worst job: Researcher for the National Science Foundation, studying the geriatric population in Phoebus.
Occupation: Educational administrator: coordinator of pupil personnel and testing, Suffolk Public Schools
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? A medical career, perhaps nursing or nurse practitioner
What's your favorite hangout? The mall
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner at Smithfield Station
Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite movies/TV show: ER, Chicago Hope, New York Undercover, Walker - Texas Ranger
Ideal vacation: Sand, water and sun in Nags Head, N.C.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Bahamas
I can't resist: A good sale or bargain
Few people know that I: was a pre-med major in college
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Donate to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, provide full scholarships to college for deserving young people
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? Know what you believe in, stand up for your convictions and choose your battles wisely - J.F. Peele Jr. - father and former school principal
What is the best thing about yourself? My love and respect for people
What achievements are you most proud of? My graduate fellowships and study and my community service work.
Something you wish to say but haven't: Our youth do not have to become a lost generation. Parents and the community need to work harder and work together to help all youth. We can't give up hope. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Melinda Boone is working on her doctorate at the College of William
and Mary.
by CNB