NAMES IN THE NEWS : McEntire Gives Heroic Advice

Reba McEntire says sixth-graders should choose their heroes carefully--and set an example for their younger peers.

“Be careful who your role models are. Pick the good ones,” the county singer told the 1990 graduating class of Eakin Elementary School on Wednesday.

“It doesn’t hurt to start thinking or dreaming now. Not only will you learn things in the classroom, but you learn things from people from other states and other countries,” she told the 72-member class.

McEntire said that when she was a youngster her idols were just a few years older.

“Kids in the first grade will be looking up to you, so watch what you say or do,” said McEntire, who had her first child in February.

McEntire is best known for her hits “Whoever’s in New England” and “Cathy’s Clown.”