The Pendulum
NEWS
Friday, August 23, 2002 m Page 11
new freshman class
Class ol'
2006
outstanding class of freshmen enters
I different states and even from differ-
5 offers a unique blend of qualified stu-
Hr academic careers, but in other areas
I from the admissions office, the follow-
*5ers. From participating in competitive
!>, these students have set themselves
1 the class of 2006.
Jy in his own community, but throughout the
IS that promote peace, such as the Lynchburg
I about violence and poverty.
(I peace in some small way,” he said.
•captain of the baseball and a member of the
Lauren Sussina
As the daughter of a New York City firefighter, Lauren Sussina experienced more than a major news
event on Sept. 11. As her family coped with the tragedy while supporting her father’s work, Sussina
volunteered with a World Trade Center disaster relief team.
“Post 9-11,1 realize nothing in life is guaranteed,” she said. “I have learned to cherish every moment
spent with my loved ones. The most rewarding aspect of my work with the World Trade Center disas
ter relief is the sense of community strength that I felt in the worst of times. I realized that every help
ing hand and every donation, large or small, aided in one way or another to victims and their families.”
The business major says volunteering is a way to make a difference in the community. Sussina is
also involved with Think Globally, Act Locally, a student volunteer organization that takes a local
approach to addressing world-wide problems.
Though just 18, Maia Wirth is an influential community activist. Wirth, 18, founded Students
Helping In Neighborhood Everywhere, SHINE, in her hometown of Apex, N.C., to get students
involved in their communities.
“In organizing events and participating in projects, SHINE members build a sense of pride in
themselves and their community and learn to handle issues professionally with integrity, responsibil
ity and a positive attitude,” Wirth said.
Local chapters of the organization participate in at least one community service project each
month.
Wirth says she wants to start a SHINE chapter at Elon and continue her volunteer work.
Wirth also teaches dance at Holly Springs School of Dance. She will be pursuing a degree in
music education.
Maia Wirth
Dominic Barrett
'cthing she enjoyed into something that could help her finance her
•8h school, Hickman received 48 awards and scholarships and won
scholarships were earned in her senior year.
''ards came from my volunteer service in the community or on year-
' essay contests, I wrote about the people I encountered while volun-
® a difference to them resulted in them making an even greater dif-
^tudents Against Drunk Driving and helped to start two SADD chap-
grants for start-up funds. She has been a spokesperson or te
Sh O’Brien Youth Leader and was recently inducted as s
^as also volunteered her time to the Making A Difference utonng
^'Idren learn English.
‘ ’^lajor, but plans to look into possible focuses in law, busmess man
studying abroad. Five years of French classes paid off when she
>01.
• j ^*Tf mfldc me
thing that could have happened to me,” she saiu-
frustrating while at tiie same time absolutely invigora mg
’•^ages, Hilliard, from New Fairfield, Conn., also enjoys ac i
to do and she
young age that acting was somethmg she she wanieu
productions.
When Scott Frankel sets a goal for himself, he works hard to achieve it.
“When I was 7 years old, my father got me started in Tae Kwon Do,” he said “When I first began, I
set a goal, and that was to become a black belt. As the years went by, I stuck to my goal and after five
years, my goal was accomplished.”
Frankel, a native of Alexandria, Va., also values volunteer service. While holding numerous leader
ship positions in the Key Club, he began tutoring and recycling programs at his high school. He also
spent time at nursing homes and homeless shelters in his hometown.
“What I am most proud of is the difference I have made in my community,” Frankel said.
He is majoring in business.
Scott Frankel
Shelby Peterson
For Shelby Peterson, Elon may seem a little flat. Peterson, from Ashbumham, Mass.,
is a competitive ski racer. In just three years of competition, she has skied in the state
championships for the Central Massachusetts League, led her team as a captain and was
given the distinction of “Most Improved Skier.” Thereafter, she captained the team and
returned to the state championships each year. “Skiing is something for me that had always
been recreational,” she said. “Racing took it to the next level.”
In high school, Peterson was a member of the student government and the field hock
ey team and worked as a Little League umpire.
“The game is even harder to play behind the plate, but it added a whole new dimension
to the sport for me,” she said.
During her free tinie, Peterson enjoys running, hiking and recreational skiing. She is
interested in studying political science.
“I love to serve others in any way I can, and I look at politics as an excellent way to do
it,” she said.