Grads performin many areas

June 13, 2009 12:36 am

Commencements are scheduled for today at Stafford County's five high schools. School officials around the area were asked to nominate candidates for grad profiles that will run in the coming days. Among the many great graduates, here are six members of the class of 2009 from Stafford. --Jeff Branscome

WHAT SETS HIM APART: Reynaldo is an honor student and one of Stafford County's most gifted athletes. He's a track hurdler who placed seventh this year in a national competition in New York. Reynaldo, 18, is still practicing daily in Prince William County for nationals in outdoor track. At H.H. Poole Middle School, he actually quit track in seventh grade but gave it another try at the coach's request. He also played football a couple seasons in high school but concentrated on track his senior year. IN HIS WORDS: "Running is boring. I like to have obstacles in my way."

WHAT'S NEXT: Track scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he'll study exercise and sport science.

WHAT SETS HER APART: Amy doesn't have time for a four-year college next year. Instead, she'll travel the country--and world--for six months with the music and dance troupe, "Up with People." Amy, 18, and the rest of the group will volunteer and learn about other cultures when they're not performing for world peace. She saw her cousin perform for an "Up with People" reunion tour in 2007. Amy's musical experience includes a 10-year stint with Sound Celebration, now Stafford Performing Stars,

IN HER WORDS: "I feel like this will help me figure out what I want to do with my life."

WHAT'S NEXT: Leaves for "Up with People" tour on Jan. 6; she will attend community college for a semester in the fall.

WHAT SETS HER APART: Caroline has given Anthony Burns Elementary School teachers a tool to communicate with Spanish-speaking parents. Caroline, 18, whose parents are bilingual and have Cuban roots, completed a book for teachers with common phrases in Spanish. Teachers can refer to the book to convey information such as, "Your child is not turning in his homework on time." Caroline has been recognized at the White House for community service, which includes playing the piano at an assisted-living center. She completed the Spanish book for her Girl Scout Gold Award (see quote below).

IN HER WORDS: "It made me feel really accomplished and really relieved because it's something I'd been doing for three years." WHAT'S NEXT: University of Florida to study architecture.

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Ben and Katherine recorded a CD of original songs for a production of "Romeo & Juliet" at Stafford High. But they didn't stop there. Both also played their music onstage during the plays. They took turns singing and playing instruments, including the electric guitar. They plan to make copies for the play's cast and hope to sell about 100. Ben and Katherine, both 17, served as class president and vice president, respectively. During summers, the two plan to play gigs anywhere they can.

IN HIS WORDS: "It's pretty cool when you put yourself out there with music you've been writing."

IN HER WORDS: "We're pretty lucky to have our first performance on a stage that big."

WHAT'S NEXT: Katherine will attend James Madison University to study science and maybe minor in music; Ben will attend Christopher Newport University, possibly to study environmental science.

WHAT SETS HIM APART: Austin hasn't missed a day of school since kindergarten. He jokingly refers to an attendance award he recently received as recognition "for having nothing better to do with my day." Seriously, he thinks his work ethic will pay off in college, where some students often sleep through morning classes. At Mountain View, Austin, 18, completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate program and played baseball. He signed up for the ROTC because the military has always played a role in his family life. His father is a retired Marine and his brother is serving in the Army. IN HIS WORDS: "It's a work ethic. You wake up, you shower, you go to school. You handle your business."

WHAT'S NEXT: College of William & Mary to study international relations and play baseball.