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Graduates handle change

Class of 2009 from Culpeper and Orange counties are leaders in the schools, community

Date published: 6/17/2009

Culpeper County opened its second high school last fall and in the process offered new challenges and opportunities for seniors to step up as leaders. In Orange, the representative of the class of 2009 is well-known for volunteering at school and in the community. School officials were asked to nominate candidates at area schools for grad profiles to run during commencement season. Here are some graduates among many accomplished students who recently wrapped up their high school careers. See more about grads on C5 and multimedia on fredericksburg.com.

WHAT SETS HER APART: Serving the community runs in Amos' family. Sydney, 18, is an associate member of the fire department; has worked with Toys for Tots since she was 10; is part of the evangelism ministry and staff-parish relations committee at Trinity United Methodist Church; and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Her dad, Orange County Sheriff Mark Amos, and her mother encouraged her to volunteer and it made a big difference. IN HER WORDS: "I always thought of community service as a way of life. It feels really good when you help someone." WHAT'S NEXT: Christopher Newport University to study criminal justice and science. --Robin Knepper WHAT SETS HIM APART: Establishing a new high school's identity is never an easy matter, but Leonard, 18, was determined to start some traditions at Culpeper's second high school. The senior class president, National Honor Society president and musician helped organize a senior block party and got the senior picnic started. He helped get a senior rock brought in for his and future classes to decorate. "If I wanted to portray the student face of Eastern View High School, Leonard would be it." said senior class sponsor Brad Miller. IN HIS WORDS: "I felt that we were leaving a school with great traditions and we need to start some traditions of our own." WHAT'S NEXT: James Madison University to study architecture. --Donnie Johnston WHAT SETS HIM APART: Keeping school spirit strong at the 40-year-old Culpeper High became a priority for Connor this year with the opening of the county's second high school. Connor, 18, served as senior class vice president and he encouraged fellow students to participate in the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. About 75 Culpeper students came out. IN HIS WORDS: "I've tried to push school spirit the entire year We were trying to get people to show a little bit of Blue Devil pride. With the splitting into two high schools, we gained a new sense of pride." WHAT'S NEXT: Virginia Tech to study architecture. --Donnie Johnston

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Date published: 6/17/2009