THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604050183
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
Antoinette Bradshaw, a 16-year-old junior at Deep Creek High School, is described by her 4-H leader as ``the epitome of a 4-H'er, who has come up through the ranks and participated in a broad range of activities.''
One activity that Bradshaw recently added to her resume was a trip to Memphis, Tenn., to participate in Youth Issues '95, where she joined youth from all over the country to discuss issues facing youth today - issues such as alcohol, drugs, crime and pregnancy.
Bradshaw, who has been president of the 4-H Great Bridge Horse and Pony Club for the past three years, is Chesapeake's 4-H'er of the year.
``She is focusing on giving back to the community and has done a particularly wonderful job of serving as a teen leader and helping younger 4-H'ers,'' said extension agent Herbert W. Pettway.
Bradshaw works through her church preparing food baskets and visiting nursing homes. She has helped in 4-H Club fund-raisers and is a member of the Outdoor Adventure Club and a past member of the 4-H Livestock Club.
She was chosen as one of 15 youngsters from across the state to attend the Virginia Horse Festival in Lexington, and is a member of the Virginia Quarter Horse Association, which awarded her its rookie of the year award.
``That's a national recognition,'' said Janet Robbins, a leader of the club. ``You open the door and she'll take the ball and run with it. She'll take the time to teach younger kids and bring them to her level.''
Along with other members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, Bradshaw has rappelled off mountains and participated in a weeklong hike in the Adirondack Mountains.
``All of that is a team-building project,'' said Robbins. ``The youngsters have to work together to survive for the week.
``It's 4-H'ers like Antoinette that make me want to continue to be a volunteer leader,'' Robbins added. ``When I see her, it gives me the satisfaction that I am making a difference. She was kind of quiet and shy when I met her. She has become a young lady who can take charge and conduct meetings and be a perfect example of what 4-H is all about.''
Robbins has a 20-month-old son and fully expects that one day Bradshaw will be his 4-H leader.
``I think she will give back to 4-H what she got out of it. She's a well-rounded young lady,'' Robbins said.
Full name: Antoinette Bradshaw
Hometown: ``I've lived in Chesapeake all my life.''
Fond childhood memories: ``Probably my first horse shows and competitions. My very first show I rode on my little sister's pony, and I didn't really have the fancy stuff when I went into the class. There were a whole lot of horses in there with real fancy things. Before I went in there, I felt like I was wasting my time, and I felt inferior. Then, after I won, I felt competent.''
Parents: Antoinette D. Roche and Michael R. Bradshaw Sr.
Siblings: Amber and Erin
Hobbies: ``Anything outdoors. Horses are my biggest thing. That's what I do. I show horses all summer long and some during the winter. I like to hike and canoe and go swimming. I play volleyball on the school team (the Deep Creek Hornets), softball, water skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking.''
Last book read: ``Right now I'm reading `Walden, or Life in the Woods,' by Henry David Thoreau.''
What's your favorite game? ``I like card games, spades, speed or solitaire and rummy. And I play dice with 10 dice.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Red. Because it is bright, vibrant and kind of stands out. And I like green because it's earthy and a natural color.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``It would be something weird or different like a meerkat.''
What irritates you the most? ``People with a lot of ability who do nothing with their lives.''
Favorite type of music: ``I listen to country, but I have lots of favorite songs, such as `Hypnotize the Moon' by Clay Walker.''
Favorite movie: ``Legend of the Fall''
Can't resist: ``Food - any kind.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``My tone of voice. A lot of people think I'm fussing and yelling when I'm not.''
Favorite TV program: ``I don't watch much TV. I do like `Home Improvement' and `Touched by an Angel.' ''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Four Brothers Steak House
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Outside. I like to walk in a soft rain.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``Steak, macaroni and cheese, a big salad, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
by CNB