THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 19, 1996 TAG: 9601170144
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Crystal K. Lassiter has plans for the $500 she received for being chosen as ``teenager of the year.''
``I'm saving the money for college. I think I'll use it for books,'' said the Great Bridge High School senior.
Lassiter said it was a surprise when she was notified by the Chesapeake Kiwanis Club that she was the winner.
``They took applications from students from all the high schools in the city,'' she said. ``I didn't know I'd won until they called my name at the annual banquet.''
The Kiwanis award, which included a plaque as well as the scholarship, may be Lassiter's most recent achievement, but it's by no means her only one. The 17-year-old juggles a busy schedule which includes serving as president of the Student Council Association, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Of all of her activities, Lassiter said she's enjoyed her work with the student council the most.
``It has been a chance to work with so many people and interact with them. It's given me a chance to try a little bit of everything.''
Although Lassiter's extracurricular activities demand a lot of time, her studies are still her first priority. Last semester, Lassiter's grade-point average was a whopping 4.17.
``I boosted it by taking advanced placement and weighted classes,'' said Lassiter.
Outside of school, Lassiter is equally involved. She's been a nursing home visitor and was sent to Jamaica with her church as a missionary.
``That was a wonderful experience,'' said Lassiter of the trip to Jamaica. ``At first it was scary. When you think of Jamaica you usually just think of the resorts and the beautiful beaches. But there's a lot of poverty there and the people really need help.''
While in Jamaica, Lassiter helped conduct Bible study classes and rebuild the local church.
``We did some pretty heavy construction,'' she admitted.
Now, with graduation just months away, Lassiter is trying to prepare herself for a future without high school.
``People keep saying that I'll miss high school at first, but then I'll grow out of it,'' she said. ``But I've been so involved over the years, I think I'm going to miss it quite a bit.''
Come August, Lassiter plans to pursue a career in pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
``I've already been admitted to UNC, and I'm really excited about starting school,'' she said.
Her interest in becoming a pharmacist was sparked not only by her affinity for chemistry and science but also by her mother's career.
``She's a registered nurse and that got me interested in medicine. I know that I don't want to become a full-fledged doctor so I think pharmacy is the way to go.''
While Lassiter doesn't have any plans for a long vacation this summer, she will be soaking up some sunshine as a lifeguard.
``I start right after Memorial Day and will work right up until I leave for school,'' she said. ``I have to earn as much money for school as I can.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Crystal K. Lassiter plans to pursue a career in pharmacology at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
by CNB