
DATE: Sunday, September 21, 1997            TAG: 9709190389

SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN             PAGE: 20   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   76 lines

ACADEMICS JOINS ATHLETICS WITH ITS OWN WALL OF FAME AT LAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL``I THINK THIS IS GREAT BECAUSE THESE KIDS HAVE WORKED REALLY HARD AND DESERVE THE HONOR,'' ELLEN MATTHEWS SAID.

The usual morning rush into Lakeland High slowed down last week as sleepy eyed students stopped to take a better look at a collection of portraits newly hung in the academic wing.

Recognizing a few familiar faces, students soon realized that they were getting their first glimpse of Lakeland's new wall of fame, formal photos of each of the school's valedictorians and two National Merit scholar honorees.

Last Tuesday evening Lakeland's Academic Boosters, sponsors of the project, hosted a reception to introduce the distinguished scholars display to the public and especially to the families of the honored students.

Jackie and Donnie Jones had to to a little fast shuffling when Barbara Morris, president of the Academic Boosters, asked each set of parents to stand under their child's portrait and share their latest successes. Their son Donald Wills Jones was the 1992 class valedictorian and son Robert Alston Jones was the 1994 class valedictorian.

Ellen Matthews, mother of the 1997 valedictorian Joshua David Bradley, and her husband Kent brought their three younger children, including 14-week-old Robert, to the reception.

``I think this is great because these kids have worked really hard and deserve the honor,'' Ellen Matthews said. ``I just hope I have three more up there someday.''

The permanent distinguished scholars display also includes an annual listing of honor students and will soon be accompanied by a large mural created by the Lakeland High art classes.

Morris explained that the project was a real community effort with several businesses and individuals contributing money and talent to make the display a reality.

Six years ago, when William Hill became principal of Lakeland he saw a wall honoring the schools athletes and wondered why there was no wall recognizing academic achievements.

``Athletics and activities receive a lot of attention and it is deserved, but we were long overdue for academic recognition,'' Hill said. ``How are we going to re-focus attitudes toward academics and make it cool if we don't flaunt it?''

Many of the faculty and parents shared his feelings, but it took five years of talking, planning, and seeking support for the Academic Boosters and the distinguished scholars project to evolve.

``If just one ninth grade student looks up there and says ``Hey, I want my picture on that wall,'' it will all be worth it,'' Hill said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER

Parker Matthews and his brother, Robert, search for the photo of

their brother, 1997 valedictorian Joshua D. Bradley.

Parents had the chance to stand under their child's portrait and

share their latest successes during the dedication of Lakeland

High's new wall of fame dedicated to the school's valedictorians and

National Merit scholar honorees. Lakeland's Academic Boosters,

sponsors of the project, hosted a reception to introduce the

distinguished scholars display to the public and the families of the

honored students.

Graphic

ACADEMIC HONORS

1991 Valedictorian - Mathias Joseph Mascarinas Paco