DATE: Sunday, April 27, 1997                TAG: 9704250204

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: 20 QUESTIONS 

SOURCE: BY LOUIS HANSEN, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   75 lines

DEMETRIUS GRANGER MENTOR COORDINATOR FOR ISLE OF WIGHT YOUTHS

Demetrius Granger is a city boy who feels right at home in the country. The 25-year-old New York native received an offer in December to become Mentor Coordinator in the Isle of Wight Office of Youth department.

So, he left his Manhattan apartment and moved down to bucolic vistas of Virginia. His parents had moved to the area several years earlier, and he has several family members in the area.

``It wasn't a major adjustment,'' Granger said. An avid shopper, he said, ``I've gotten adjusted to the mall scene.''

He graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York with a bachelor's degree in economics. He was the first in his family to graduate from college.

Granger counsels at-risk children between the ages of 6 and 18 in Isle of Wight County. He addresses parents and groups, emphasizing that the community needs to care for its troubled youths.

``It's a child. We want them to be productive adults,'' he said.

His job is to coordinate counseling and education programs with the community and schools. He also recruits mentors to help troubled children get back on track.

Birthdate/hometown: June 13, 1971, New York, New York

What brought you here: My job as Mentor and Prevention Coordinator in the Isle of Wight County Office of Youth. It was a change in scenery and a change in pace.

Fondest childhood memory: Sharing Christmas at his grandparents' house in North Carolina.

Marital status/children: Single

Pets: None, but he would like to get a Rottweiler puppy and name him Shabu.

First job/worst job: I worked as a messenger in a law firm in high school. Worst job was preparing meals in a hospital.

Occupation: Youth services director.

If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I would like to stay in the same field, and someday become director of a youth services department.

What's your favorite hangout? In New York, the South Street Seaport is a good place to hang out. In Norfolk, it's Waterside. I'm not much of a club person.

Favorite night out on the town: Friday night at the movies, with friends.

Favorite food/drink: Lasagna and Hi-C grape.

Favorite movies/TV show: ``Malcolm X,'' ``The Ghosts of Mississippi,'' ``School Daze,'' and the original version of ``Father of the Bride.'' My favorite TV shows are ``New York Undercover'' and ``Party of Five.''

Book you wish everyone would read: The Bible.

I can't resist: Buying clothes, for both work and recreation.

Ideal vacation: I've always wanted to go to Africa and England.

Few people know that I: I am also a caring individual.

Most embarrassing moment: My first day at college, I got into a car accident. I drove onto campus with my car wrecked, and one of the first people who saw me was my freshman year counselor.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would start my own youth foundation specifically created to address issues concerning youth, such as setting educational goals, positive youth development, parenting skills and community development.

What is the best advice you have been given and by whom? My mom told me to always follow my dreams and never stop achieving.

What's the best thing about yourself? I like to help others.

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you trade with and why? I would like to have been Dr. Martin Luther King. He has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement for African Americans - and all people.

Of what achievements are you most proud? My deep religious faith, college graduation, and my initiation into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Something you wish to say but have not said: Take a stand and be an example to the children of today because they are the leaders of tomorrow. Stop and take time with youth. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu