ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 11, 1996 TAG: 9603120051
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: extra credit
Name: Candice Beamer
Age: 17
School: William Fleming High School
Year: Senior
What she's done for others: As Student Government Association president this year, Candice plays a key role at her school. In addition to running twice-weekly meetings, her voice is heard first thing in the morning as she makes the daily announcements over the PA system. She has spearheaded community service projects such as raising money for the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.
Candice was chosen to attend Camp Anytown last summer. It attempted to help high-schoolers break down barriers among races and religions.
``We were placed with people we knew nothing about, people from every race and religion. By the end of the week, we were all so close. It had a major effect on me and I know it always will.''
Candice is often in the spotlight. Today, she is the emcee for a breakfast for honor roll students, an event she also helped to organize.
``I have a tendency to assert control. I guess 'cause I'm a talkative person. Whenever there's something to do,'' Candice said, ``they always call me.''
``She's my right arm,'' said Susan Wenk, SGA advisor and teacher. ``We think of her for everything. I've never cared for or felt more respect for a student than Candice.''
``She's aware of the way things are and gets frustrated with things she knows aren't right in society,'' said guidance counselor Bill Cleveland. ``Yet, she can find something positive in everything.''
Other activities: Candice is manager of the cheerleaders. She's a member of the gospel choir at school and an officer of the junior choir at Sweet Union Baptist Church.
I would like people to think of me as: ``...optimistic and outgoing, a person who's always there to help others.''
In my free time I like to: ``...read, write poetry and be with my friends.''
What I'd like to change about the world: ``... the fact that people are always so quick to be judgmental and all the hatred and animosity.''
What I'd like to change about myself: ``...I wear my heart on my sleeve, trying to help everybody.''
Most important issue facing teen-agers today: ``...the fact that everybody thinks they're so grown, that they're not subject to peer pressure, but they are.''
The toughest lesson I've learned so far is: ``Everybody is not always going to be as willing to help others as I am. There are people who are downright evil and you have to learn to deal with it.''
My major goal in life is: ``...to be a success in what I decide to do.''
People I most admire: ``My mother's been a single mom since my father was shot and killed when I was 5. She has four kids. I've always seen her persevere and be strong. I admire her as a strong woman.
``I also admire Mrs. Wenk. She's so dedicated to what she does. She puts so much time into what she does.''
Future plans: Candice plans to attend James Madison University or Old Dominion University and to get a master's degree in communications or counseling education.
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Cindy Pinkston. Candice Beamer. color.by CNB