Meet the Class of 2006

The following graduate profiles feature four members of the Class of 2006 who were selected by their classmates to present remarks during Commencement Weekend 2006.

Wharton sees forensics as perfect fusion of chemistry and political science

Lora Wharton was considering law school when she landed a summer internship in the Virginia Attorney General’s Office in 2003. A double-major in chemistry and government with a minor in mathematics, Wharton’s academic interests kept pulling her in opposite directions. Would she go to med school or law school?  But during the early days of her internship, Wharton took a visit to the state forensics lab in Richmond that helped her sharpen her career focus with laser precision. MORE>>

Pickering focused on career in pediatric medicine

Unlike many of his peers who waited until college to settle on a field of study, Matt Pickering has had his career goals mapped out since he was 10. The Virginia Beach native has always loved science, and he has a natural rapport with children. His mother suggested Pickering might one day become a pediatrician. The idea stuck and Pickering’s mind has been set on going to medical school ever since.Pickering, who plans to attend med school in 2007, will spend the next year working as a certified nurse’s assistant at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn. MORE>>

McDaniel learns hometown college can broaden horizons

With both parents employed by UVa-Wise, Scott McDaniel literally grew up on campus. "I’ve been around UVa-Wise for as long as I can remember, so for me it was the place my parents worked, not a college I planned to attend,” McDaniel said. “I didn’t see the potential or specialness that came with it and I was a bit reluctant to come to the College because of that fact.” MORE>>

Cleopatra Lightfoot steps up programs at Wise and now sets sight on a career helping others

Standing just 4 feet 11 inches, Cleopatra Lightfoot may be small but this focused and poised young woman has certainly made a big impression on U.Va.-Wise. She founded the school’s Step Team, and her energy and enthusiasm reinvigorated the Cavalettes Dance Team. Equally as impressive as her high jumps and fancy footwork is her academic performance. On Saturday, Lightfoot will graduate magna cum laude with a degree in psychology. This summer, she’ll begin a five-year doctoral program in clinical psychology at Argosy University in Washington, D.C. MORE>>