DATE: Sunday, July 13, 1997                 TAG: 9707110227

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: CLOSE-UP 

SOURCE: BY DORIS TOWNSLEY, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   76 lines

ADE PATTONHARD WORK AND DEDICATION PAY DIVIDENDS FOR WILSON HIGH SCHOOL'S VALEDICTORIAN

When Ade Patton was told that he was to be valedictorian of Woodrow Wilson High School's graduating class of 1997, he was not surprised. He knew he was at the top of his class, which numbered 265, even before he was officially told.

``I had the highest average throughout the four years,'' said the 18-year-old honors student, ``so it really wasn't that close.''

Patton said that he always took the most challenging classes offered at Wilson and maintained a 4.25 grade-point average while doing so. But he also said that it wasn't always easy.

``Basically, it's hard work and dedication,'' he said. ``With any type of accomplishment, there's going to be sacrifice involved, and there's going to be dedication. Those two things were maintained throughout my four years.''

Even in the summer, when many students take a break from their studies, Patton remained dedicated. During his high school years, he attended a variety of summer programs, such as the African-American Achievement Academy at James Madison University and a biology/pre-med program at Xavier University.

``Summer is, of course, a time to relax,'' Patton said, ``but it's also a time for you to keep learning, stay focused.''

At Wilson, Patton not only worked hard at his studies, but was involved in extracurricular activities. He was senior class president, chapter president of the National Honor Society, and Tidewater regional parliamentarian for the Future Business Leaders of America.

When he was not busy with school-related activities, Patton spent most of his time on the basketball court and soccer field. Soccer is his favorite sport, he said, and this year, he made first team in all-Eastern District and second team in all-Eastern Region.

Now that his high school days are over, Patton is looking forward to college. This fall, he will be attending the University of Virginia, where he plans to major in biology/premed.

``I'm definitely excited,'' he said, ``and I'm eager to embark on another challenge. It will be another educational endeavor that I'm ready to face.''

As a recipient of UVa.'s University Achievement Award, as well as Portsmouth's Invitational Tournament Scholarship and a NASSP scholarship from the National Honor Society, Patton will not have to worry about tuition, fees or meals during the four years he plans to attend UVa.

Name: Ade J. Patton

Hometown: Portsmouth

Birthdate: January 6, 1979

Parents' names: James and Lydia Patton

Siblings: One sister, Asha, age 22

Favorite food: Pizza

Hobbies: Sports, reading, web surfing

Favorite movie: ``Clear and Present Danger''

Favorite magazine: ``Time''

Last book read for fun: ``Invisible Man''

Favorite TV show: ``Sports Center''

Pet peeve: Slow drivers

Heroes: My parents

Worst habit: Procrastination

Favorite way to spend the day: Watching a good movie with that special someone

Favorite subject in high school: Government

Fondest high school memory: My valedictory speech

Most embarrassing moment in high school: In the ninth grade, I got hit by a softball and ended up with a black eye

Most valuable lesson learned in high school: Hard work and dedication eventually pay off

Biggest problem facing Wilson: Complacency within the student body

Best thing about Wilson: The warmth that the student body radiates

If you have 15 minutes on national TV, what would you discuss? The problems facing the youth and teenagers in the nation, and more important, probable solutions. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo/JIM WALKER

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