Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 17, 1990 TAG: 9006170229
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
The challenges for Whalen will begin July 2 when he reports to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He will be the first Floyd student to go to there since Kevin Whitaker in 1982.
"I won't necessarily choose the military for a career," said Whalen, who was this year's valedictorian. "I choose West Point because it will give me the best education and leadership experience in an atmosphere where I can get the most done."
Whalen excelled in both academic and leadership roles at Floyd. He received two scholarships totaling $1,250 in addition to his military appointment.
Whalen won academic awards in mathematics, social studies and health and physical education. He received the Gavel award given annually to the student body president. And Whalen won the O.T. Wright General Excellence Award, the graduating class' top honor.
Whalen was not the only member of the 119-person graduating class to contemplate West Point, however. Steven Agee received an appointment in May, after having been on a waiting list, but declined it.
"I still had questions in my mind," said Agee, who will go to James Madison University instead. "And if I still had questions, I should not make that kind of commitment."
Agee has a three-year, $7,000 ROTC scholarship if he selects a military career. He also is the first recipient of a $5,000 J.C. Walters Memorial Scholarship. Walters was a member of this class but was killed last year by a drunken driver.
Agee and Whalen received help from Superintendent Omar Ross. A colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Ross' assignment is zone coordinator for West Point recruitment.
"I encouraged them, but I didn't pressure them," said Ross. "It's a matter of personal choice . . . I think they both made wise decisions."
Other members of the graduating class also have bright futures. Four received Ruth B. and George T. Huff Scholarships of $4,500: salutatorian Viki Sutphin, Donald Sutphin, Sarah Conner and Kimberly Reece.
Melissa Miller was awarded a Bridgewater College Certificate of Achievement for $3,500 for four years.
Two seniors received athletic scholarships: Pamela Lemons for track to the University of Virginia, and Tracy McDaniel for volleyball to the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg.
Overall, 25 graduates are going on to four-year colleges and 30 to other institutions of higher learning, including six who plan to transfer to four-year colleges. And the graduates received over $60,000 in awards and scholarships.
by CNB