Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 6 April 2000 — Page 34

The Muncie Times, April 6, 2000, page 34

Shawntel,

•t By Judy Mays Shawntel Curd, 14, is a freshman at Muncie Southside High School where her favorite subject is English. Shawntel has a 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Shawntel enjoys sports. She has participated in the Pride of Indiana Scholarship pageant where " she placed in the top 10 among 34 girls. Shawntel played junior varsity volleyball, basketball and runs track. She plays clarinet in the - school band and is also a member of the French and Drama clubs. Shawntel is class treasurer. She is a member of ^ Christ Temple Church. “My role model is my mother because she is a very hard worker and encourages me in

Orlando are in this week’s spotlight

Shawntel Curd

everything I do,” said Shawntel. “The best advice I have ever gotten is to stay with God no matter what you are going through. Fd give someone else the same advice.” Shawntel enjoys eating and playing games with her family. She likes to read. Her favorite book is I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Her favorite movie is

Orlando Branson

“The Matrix.” Her favorite food: fruit. She is the daughter of Jolanda Curd. Orlando Branson, 15, is a freshman at Muncie Central High School where his favorite subject is Spanish. He has a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Orlando is on the track team, is a nose tackle on the football team and lifts weights. He is a member of Mt.

Olive Church of God in Christ. In his spare time Orlando likes to hang around with his friends, play video games and talk on the phone to his girlfriend. His favorite family activity is staying home to watch movies. His favorite food: spaghetti. His role model is his dad. “He gives me good advice. The best advice I’ve received is to be yourself and respect others as you would want to be respected. “The advice I’d give to others is to be a leader and not a follower,” he said. The best book he has read is The Life of A L. A. Gang Member by Monster Kody His favorite movie is “In Too Deep.” “My biggest challenge is to meet my goals, get better

in sports,” said Orlando. He is the son of Kimberly Beatty and Danny Branson. .

(Parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, family and friends are welcome to submit neames of students to be featured. Students must be grade 6 through 12 and have a 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale. Be sure to get the students picture to our office. Students and/or family members will receive a complimentary meal for three at the Old Country Buffet for bringing the photo in on time.)

Peace Corps honors 12 black former volunteers

WASHINGTON, D. C., ""^Twelve leaders and activists from around the country, all former Peace Corps volunteers, were honored with the Franklin H. Williams Award in a ceremony at Peace Corps’ headquarters. - Dr. Julius Nimmons, president of the University of the District * of Columbia and a former Peace Corps volunteer, received special recognition for his work in

stabilizing the university in less than 2 years. “In naming this award for Franklin Williams, the Peace Corps pays tribute to his remarkable legacy and recognized the exemplary community work done by these 12 distinguished individuals, who carry on his spirit of service,” said Peace Corps Director Mark Schneider. Williams, a foreign and domestic public servant until his death in 1990, was a Peace Corps

regional director for Africa and U. S. Ambassador to Ghana. He played a large role in helping Sargent Shriver, the first Peace Corps director, to promote the agency and its programs to the world. “Franklin Williams would have been proud of all of you tonight,” said Percy C. Wilson, a former Peace Corps country director in Sierra Leone and the director of external affairs for the

Coca-Cola Africa group. “All of you serve and mentors and role models for others. You are solid leader and solid citizens in your communities.” Others who spoke at the ceremony included Sam Afrifa-Kyei, the minister of consular affairs for the embassy of Ghana and Williams’ college roommate. Williams’ widow, Shirley, sent written greetings, as did Shriver. Today, more than 200

African Americans are Peace Corps volunteers in 77 countries around the world. Throughout the agency’s history, thousands of African American volunteers have promoted grassroots development and crosscultural understanding between Americans and people of developing nations. Since 1961, more than 155,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps, serving in 134 nations.