When Elkins resident Beulah B. Glasscock was first diagnosed with cancer last August, the thought of undergoing an extensive regimen of chemotherapy at age 86 was daunting.

“But if it means that Ill get to attend Heathers graduation in May, Ill do it,”she told her doctor.”Ive been to both of my sonsand my other granddaughters graduations. I want to be there when Heather graduates, too.”

West Virginia University senior Heather Glasscock is Mrs. Glasscocks youngest grandaughter. Heather will not only be graduating from WVU Sunday, May 18, but, as the recipient of the William G. Monahan Award Outstanding Graduate Award, she also is the featured speaker at the 9 a.m. Convocation for the College of Human Resources and Education.

Having her grandmother here is important to Heather.

“Ive always looked up to her as a role model,”Heather says.”She is so good with people and always is looking for ways to help people at her church and as a volunteer at the hospital.”

Heather, too, is”good with people.”As president of the WVU Student Education Association, she provided leadership for a very active and involved group of students who more than doubled membership in the local organization, extended SEA s volunteer activities, and walked away with a number of awards at last years state meeting. This semester Heather is completing her final year in WVU s five-year dual-degree teacher preparation program. After graduation she plans to return to Petersburg to work as an elementary school teacher.

Mrs. Glasscock, who now has a new, short and very chic hairstyle, will be present to hear Heather address her fellow College of Human Resources and Education graduates at their convocation ceremonies. Her treatments have been very successful. She is now well enough to return to living in her own Elkins home in time for her 87th birthday, and Heather will be there with her to help blow out those 87 candles on May 27.