‘Student of the Week’ award

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

March 8, 2000 10 PM

Aaron Rascoe experienced his 15-plus seconds of fame Wednesday morning.

The Charles Henderson High School student has been selected one of WSFA/Buffalo Rock’s Students of the Week, which means he will be featured on a television commercial and qualify to compete for scholarship money.

The commercial shot in Laurie Biddle’s classroom will be shown on channel 12 the week April 3. Commercials will air at 6:44 p.m. during Today in Alabama and at 6:15 p.m. during the evening news.

"It’s a big honor," Rascoe said of being picked from applications submitted.

WSFA selects its top 20 Students of the Week based on transcript, essay, school activities and overall merit.

Rascoe, who just happens to be the senior class president, has a list of clubs ­ Interact, Key Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Drunk Driving, and this list goes on ­ to his credit. Although a shoulder injury has taken him off the diamond, Rascoe has played first base for the CHHS baseball team.

Then those students go through a painless, brief interview in which they are asked four questions.

During his interview, Rascoe said he plans to attend Troy State University and possibly pursue a career in the medical field.

A lover of the outdoors, Rascoe likes math and science because he likes to learn how things work.

Rascoe was also asked who has had the greatest influence on his life and he quickly said his father, who is a minister, is that person he considers a hero.

Sitting calmly as lights and a camera pointed his way, Rascoe told the interviewer that the lack of self-esteem is the greatest challenge facing teens today.

Those videotaped interviews are judged by five individuals from area colleges and universities and finalists will be presented cash scholarships during a banquet in April.

The winner announced that night will go on to compete in Birmingham for a $10,000 scholarship.