Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 30, 1994 TAG: 9405020151
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RINER LENGTH: Medium
It was a painful reminder that just one day earlier, their classmate, Danielle Renee Blankenship, sang a solo there at a school assembly. Now, students, their parents and teachers gathered silently to mourn her death.
The 16-year old junior was killed in a car crash Thursday afternoon while driving home after school. Blankenship was driving south on Virginia 8 when she veered into an oncoming sewage tank truck.
"Danielle was a beautiful child, a beautiful young woman," said Principal Bob Miller. "We had a mock wedding [Thursday] for our teen life class, and she was the soloist. She had a beautiful voice."
Classes at the high school were postponed until fourth period Friday as counselors from various schools and organizations talked with students about the 3 p.m. accident. Three local clergy members and about a dozen parents also spent the day at the school.
"One of the greatest supports we've had is from the parents," Miller said. "That, and our [student] peer supporters have helped us through."
Miller described Blankenship as an energetic and popular person who was into everything - the swing choir, cheerleading, basketball and other school clubs. When students heard of her death Thursday, they congregated around a bonfire at a friend's house until late in the night. Parents and several teachers joined in the midnight vigil.
An after-prom party fund-raising event scheduled for today at the high school has been postponed until later in the school year. The high school will be open to community members next week for anyone wishing to speak with a counselor.
The funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Radford. Blankenship's classmates will serve as pallbearers and the swing choir will sing.
"It's been a long day, but everyone's handled things well," Miller said. "We tend to be pretty much like family in Riner."
Keywords:
FATALITY
by CNB