
DATE: Thursday, May 22, 1997                TAG: 9705210161

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: THUMBS UP! 

SOURCE: SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: SUFFOLK                           LENGTH:  124 lines

STUDENTS FOR ROTARY CLUB'S SCHOLARSHIPS ARE SELECTED

Each year the Suffolk Rotary Club presents scholarships to a graduating male and female student from each Suffolk high school who best exemplifies the Rotary motto ``Service Above Self.''

Each high school selects the male and female recipients for this scholarship, said George Birdsong, chairman of the Suffolk Rotary Club's Charities Committee. The Rotary Club is not involved in the selection process.

The criteria for recipients includes plans to pursue further education immediately following graduation, an overall academic average of B or better, involvement in service activities at school and in the community, and a demonstration of the club's ideals. Financial need is not a criteria for selection.

Students selected at Lakeland High School are as follows:

Jennifer Warren Jones is co-captain of the varsity field hockey team, 1st Team All District. In 1996, she was voted Most Valuable Player for the team.

She is a member of the Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact Club, and secretary of the Anchor Club. She was the Suffolk Pilot Club's ``Salute to Youth Week'' honoree.

Jennifer is a reporter for the local, student news broadcast ``Newsplash'' and also, a member of Quill and Scroll.

In her sophomore year, Jennifer was editor of the school newspaper and a member of the varsity softball, cross country, and summer league field hockey teams. As a junior, she received the Most Improved Player Award in varsity softball and an award for the highest average in Keyboarding Applications.

Jennifer is a volunteer in the nursery and a Junior Church teacher at the Suffolk Christian Church, an office assistant for Family Medicine Associates and a child care-taker for a Windsor family.

Jennifer's goalis to be special education teacher. She is the daughter of Calvin and Evelyn Jones of Suffolk.

Matthew Melkerson plans to major in mechanical engineering.

He is co-captain of the varsity boys' tennis team and the varsity academic team. He is historian of the Key Club and and member of the Interact Club, Spanish Club, and secretary of the Beta Club. In 1994-95, he was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students.

For the past seven years, Matthew has been a member of Troop 1 Boy Scouts of America and was a camp counselor, teaching required skills to Boy Scouts, 11- to 17-years-old. In 1995, he was presented an Eagle Scout Award.

He is the son of Nils and Nancy Melkerson of Suffolk.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy selected the following students:

Sonya Marie Garnes is vice president of the National Honor Society and chairman of the Honor Council. As vice president of the Happy Club, she recently attended the Operation Smile Youth Conference at the College of William and Mary. She was a recipient of the Pilot Club Leadership Award and was a nominee for the Harry F. Byrd Leadership Scholarship.

Sonya is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity one week-end a month. She is a Reading Seminar Committee leader and a member of The Virginian-Pilot Scholastic Achievement Team. She has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross Blood Drive and the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen.

Sonya works as a ward secretary of ICU at the Maryview Medical Center. She plans to attend the College of William and Mary.

She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Cantwell of Chesapeake.

Kyle Edward Snow plans to attend James Madison University.

He is a member of the Peer Club, Happy Club/Operation Smile, Stock Market Club, Green Club, Anchor Club, and Habitat for Humanity.

Kyle was a Boys' State nominee and alternate, Suffolk Art League nominee, and appeared in the school production of ``Damn Yankees.'' He received recognition from the Pilot Club and was a recipient of the Kevin Blanchard Memorial Scholarship.

Active in sports, Kyle is a member of the soccer, basketball, baseball, and cross country teams. He has been an Octoberfest and Peanut Fest volunteer, and is currently a math tutor and mentor for a sixth-grade student. He also is a member of the choir at Benns United Methodist Church.

Kyle has worked as a Kaleidoscope Camp counselor and at Arby's Restaurant. He is employed as a pet-sitter, giving a diabetic cat its insulin shots, and has worked in School Maintenance for the past four years.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gleason Snow of Smithfield.

The following students were chosen by Nansemond River High School:

Kelly F. Casey is a member of the National Beta Club, the Co-ed Hi-Y, and secretary of the International Club. She attended the William and Mary Model United Nations.

Kelly is a member of the Latin Club, the Willet Service Club, and the Math and Science Club. She received an academic letter and the National History and Government Award, and was named in Who's Who Among American High School Students.

In 1996, she was an Obici Hospital junior volunteer and was an Honorable Mention for the Prudential Spirit of Community Service award.

Kelly, who plans to attend the University of Virginia, is the daughter of Ruth Casey of Suffolk.

Thomas Justin Pretlow plans to attend the University of Virginia and pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.

He is a member of the Beta Club, CHROME, and the school's golf team. He is captain of Nansemond River's soccer team, and a member of the Elizabeth River Soccer Club and the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association.

Thomas has been a recipient of the Presidential Academic Fitness Award, the Region I Scholar Athlete Award and a Princeton Book Award nominee. He was a member of The Virginian-Pilot Scholastic Achievement Team, a Boys State participant and received an academic letter, and a varsity letter in soccer.

For two years, Thomas was vice president of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Youth Fellowship and received a 10-year Perfect Attendance Pin from the Sunday School Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

Thomas has worked for the Pretlow, Eason & Pretlow law office and at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.

He is the son of Kirk and Pat Pretlow of Suffolk. ILLUSTRATION: Photos

Casey

Jones

Melkerson

Pretlow

Snow

Yarnes