Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 31, 1990 TAG: 9006010586
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"That's a Franklin County name," said Edwina Prunty, the school's principal for juniors and seniors.
This happens every year, she said, and it is not unusual to have a number of students with that name.
Another prominent name is Hall. But this year there are only three seniors named Hall. Prunty said it was unusual to have so few with that name.
All are among 442 graduates who will get diplomas in a commencement exercise June 16 at 10 a.m. at the school.
The graduation speaker will be Dr. Daphnye Saunders Thomas, who was graduated from Franklin County High in 1972. She is professor of law at James Madison University and a member of the board of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
School authorities do not know how many graduates will attend college because the numbers won't be official until after final exams June 11-13.
Two of those who expect to graduate said they think Southwest Virginia offers enough opportunity for successful careers. Both indicated they probably will stay in this area.
Jeffery Middleton plans to follow a career in forestry and Kevin Fisher hopes to become a veterinarian.
"I feel there are a lot of jobs here in that field [forestry]" and he will "more than likely stay in this area."he said.
He will attend Virginia Western Community College for a year or two and then transfer to a forestry school, probably at Virginia Tech. Middleton, 18, said he probably will return here after forestry school and spend the summers with his parents, Steve and Beth Middleton, who live in the Boones Mill area.
Fisher, while not certain where he will seek his fortune, indicated he would look for local opportunity first. It will have to be the right opportunity, however.
"It depends on the field," he said. "I'm not against staying here."
He will attend Virginia Tech and hopes to enter its veterinary school.
Fisher, 17, lives with his parents, Galen and Audrey Fisher, just outside Boones Mill.
He said he doesn't know where he will spend summers during school but probably will stay in Southwest Virginia unless a good opportunity opens elsewhere.
by CNB