THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996 TAG: 9606180143
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: A SALUTE TO THE CLASS OF '96
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 68 lines
Ask Aileen Finley if she ever wanted to be a nun and you'll share a hearty laugh.
It's a natural question to ask a Catholic girl who graduated from Catholic High and who served as a peer leader during spiritual retreats for upperclassmen. But Finley, 17, has no plans to join a convent and never did.
``No, I've never thought about being a nun,'' said the exotic-looking Finley, standing a statuesque 5 feet, 10 inches. ``I don't see that in my future.''
What will appear in Finley's future instead is higher education. She's going to the University of Virginia to major in biology this fall, but she had a hard time narrowing her choice of colleges. Finley, who ranked 11th in her class of 68 graduates, had been accepted at such academic hotbeds as Villanova University and Boston College.
Once you hear about Finley's accomplishments, it's easy to see how she got accepted at such prestigious schools. Her 3.67 grade point average enabled Finley to graduate with honors June 10. A field hockey player for four years and tennis player for two years, Finley is a member of the National Honor Society and served as secretary of the senior class.
Last November, she was recognized as an Optimist International Outstanding Senior. In April she won a Hispanic-American beauty pageant, Miss El Eco, and with it a $1,000 scholarship. She also enjoys going to the opera and seeing plays.
And, like every other student at Catholic High, Finley performed 100 hours of community service. She chose child care at the Armed Services YMCA the summer before her sophomore year.
Finley is the kind of student that guidance counselors love.
``Not only is Aileen a good representative of the senior class, she has influenced her peers as well as faculty,'' said guidance counselor Marty Campbell. ``She's extremely mature for a high school student and has a real flair for foreign languages. I think she'll be a great success at college.''
Finley's background is as varied as her interests. Dad Robert is a retired Navy lieutenant who now works as an electrical engineer. Mom Graciela, a native Chilean, teaches English as a Second Language at the Adult Learning Center (hence Finley's excellence in the Spanish language). Sister Jennifer will attend Catholic High this fall. Finley credits her family and upbringing with the level head that sits on her shoulders. And the Catholic education didn't hurt, either.
``Most of what I was taught at home was reinforced at school,'' said Finley, who likes listening to salsa and reggae in her Pembroke Meadows home when she's not working as a hostess at the restaurant at the Lake Wright in Norfolk. ``There was a time when I was really thinking about going to public school but I'm glad I stayed.''
And she's glad to be going off to U.Va. in a couple of months. The only thing that worries Finley about college is that her dorm doesn't allow air conditioners. Also, freshman aren't allowed to have cars that first year. Her parents bought Finley a used Ford Taurus for her 16th birthday that will have to stay parked in the driveway.
``My dad keeps teasing me about that,'' she said, laughing. ``He takes my bike out of the garage and says `here's your transportation.' ''
As for advice to other students, Finley has just one thought.
``Don't get caught up in what's happening around you today,'' said Finley, sounding wise beyond her years. ``Think of the future and look ahead.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
A two-sport athlete and honors graduate, Aileen Finley also won a
Hispanic-American beauty pageant, Miss El Eco, and with it a $1,000
scholarship. She will attend U.Va. by CNB