THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 17, 1995 TAG: 9505160140
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA MCNATT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
SMITHFIELD
JUSTIN LOWERY WATCHED with more than idle curiosity recently when a cousin he's especially close to had a baby.
He remembers checking childbirth reference books with his cousin to see how big the baby was at certain stages, and he could hardly wait until his second cousin was born.
``My cousin had a little boy,'' he said. ``He's my godson.''
The interest isn't something you might expect from a 17-year-old high school senior, but the experience helped Lowery to make an important decision.
``I've always been interested in biology, always found it rather fascinating. I've been accepted at the University of Virginia under a biology major. And right now, I'm leaning toward obstetrics.''
But Lowery, winner this year of the third annual scholarship awarded by Historic St. Luke's Restoration Inc., doesn't want to be an obstetrician who has lots of well-to-do patients and a plush office.
``One of my plans always has been to go into the Peace Corps or something like it. I think going into obstetrics would give me a good opportunity to combine - it would really give me something to offer in a Third World nation. I've always had a desire to help people and to be with them. I've got so much. I'd like to do something for people who aren't as lucky as I am.''
And that's exactly what those who know Lowery would expect.
St. Luke's curator Dick Austin calls this year's scholarship winner an ``all-around teenager.''
``He's smart, and he's popular with everybody,'' Austin said, ``teachers and students alike.''
Lowery moved with his family to Smithfield about 10 years ago, so he's been in the county school system for most of his school years. The son of Gene and Donna Lowery and the middle child of five, Lowery was picked for the scholarship from entries received in April.
Seniors at the county's two public high schools and two private schools were eligible. A special selection committee named by the church's foundation board of directors made the choice.
Lowery chose as his essay topic, ``The Role of Christianity in Indian/Colonists Relations.'' He will graduate in June, ninth of 152 in his 1995 graduating class. He has a grade point average of 3.54 out of 4.
He will receive the initial $3,000 award during the annual pilgrimage to St. Luke's at 4 p.m. Sunday. The scholarship is renewable for four years of college so long as a minimum grade point average is maintained.
At Smithfield High, Lowery has been active in a number of activities. He's been a member of the Beta Club for two years, serving as its vice president for one year; a member of the Latin Club for four years; the Ocean Awareness Club, and vice president for one year; and a member of the Academic Team for two years. He's also played soccer for three years, was junior varsity captain for a year and has been one of three varsity captains this year. He is an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield, where he also plays guitar, and he is a board member and president of the Episcopal Youth Community.
Lowery is the third local student to benefit from the scholarship established by the foundation that maintains Historic St. Luke's Church as a national shrine. Previous winners have been Todd Barlow and Danielle Morgan, both of Smithfield High.
St. Luke's annual pilgrimage service will be conducted this year by the Rt. Rev. O'Kelly Whitaker, assistant bishop of the Episcopal Southern Diocese of Virginia. Assisting will be the Rev. F. William Lantz, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Smithfield, and vicar of St. Luke's.
The pilgrimage service is open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Justin Lowery wants to become an obstetrician.
by CNB