DATE: Sunday, April 27, 1997                TAG: 9704250262

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 16   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY DOUG BEIZER, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   74 lines

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPEND DAY SHADOWING CITY OFFICIALS

Getting her mug shot taken in the Virginia Beach Police Department's booking room wasn't how Tallwood High School senior June Grant planned on spending last Monday morning.

But for Grant, who is headed for Virginia Commonwealth University next fall, the experience was just what she was looking for.

Grant, and 105 other high school students, shadowed 85 city and school officials last week for the 13th annual ``Official for a Day'' program. The program was sponsored by the City-Wide Student Cooperative Association to commemorate National Student Leadership Week.

Students participated in activities ranging from observing the installation of new computer systems to riding in the police helicopter.

Grant shadowed Lt. J.K. Gray who is in charge of police services and has worked in Virginia Beach since 1973.

``I'm confused about what I want to do, so this gives me a chance to see what they do,'' Grant said. ``Maybe I'll be interested in police work, maybe I'll major in it.''

Amanda Williams, a senior at Salem High School, said she wants a career in the FBI. She spent the day following Capt. Thomas Irving, a commanding officer for the Police Department.

``I just hope to learn from today and hope that it helps me when I go into college and eventually go into my field,'' said Williams who is headed for Mary Baldwin College.

She plans to major in Asian studies with a minor in law. During her tour, Williams got to work with a communications officer who was receiving 911 calls. She was also scheduled to ride the police helicopter and visit the police shooting range.

``I think she's going after a good career,'' Irving said about his partner for the day. ``This is a grand opportunity for her, and if she chooses a career in the FBI I think she'll do well.''

For Virginia Beach Schools Superintendent Timothy Jenney, the officials had as much to gain from the program as the students.

``We always enjoy having the students in our office because it gives us a chance to get to know the leaders of this school district,'' Jenney said.

``From the perspective of public service, we hope this provides the students with knowledge about what we do and the kinds of activities we're involved in,'' he said.

Diane Anderson, the program's organizer, said one of the most important aspects of the day is giving students a glimpse of the real world.

``We just hope the students get some exposure to what jobs are in the school system and the city,'' said Anderson, who is also coordinator of Student Leadership for Virginia Beach. ``We want to show them what the real 12-month world of work is like and expose them to some of the things they might aspire to eventually,'' she said.

Kempsville senior Natalie Sidner chose to follow someone in emergency medical services because she is planning a medical career.

``He showed me around all the different departments and explained what everyone does,'' Sidner said.

Early in her tour with William Kiley, deputy director of Emergency Medical Services, she got a taste of a typical snag in modern offices.

``We're integrating new software and with that integration we ran into a problem,'' said Kiley. ``And Natalie got right involved in regard to fixing the problem before we switch over to the new system.''

Sidner, who will attend the University of Virginia, liked the spontaneity of the day.

``I'm not sure yet which branch of the field I'd like to go into,'' she said. ``That's why I think this is such a wonderful program - it allows us to see what officials actually have to do in their everyday lives.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Doug Beizer

William Kiley, deputy director of Emergency Medical Services, shows

Natalie Sidner the city's emergency communications system.

Missy Andrews, left, a communications officer, shows Amanda

Williams, a senior at Salem High School, how to receive a 911 call.

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