Suffolk News-Herald

She is captain of Nansemond River’s High School’s cheerleading squad.

She loves to play the piano and has aspirations to study at the University of Virginia next year.

But today, Christina Maupin – who turns 17 on Sunday – is fighting for her life in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s trauma unit.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Maupin was pulling out of the Nansemond River High School parking lot after cheering practice when a flatbed tractor-trailer struck her 1993 Buick Regal, said Lt. Debbie George, spokesman for the Suffolk Police Department.

No charges have been filed in the accident, she added.

Alice Dozier, cheering coach and a family friend who witnessed the accident, said Maupin’s classmates – particularly her fellow cheerleaders – have been hit hard by the news.

&uot;It’s been a tough 24 hours,&uot; Dozier said Thursday. &uot;She’s an awesome kid, a sweet, smart girl. She is well-like by the other students.

&uot;…The students have been doing as well as can be expected. Although things weren’t going too well at first this morning, they gradually improved.&uot;

Grief counselors were on hand to talk with students, Dozier added.

Throughout the day, Dozier – as well as other students and teachers – went to Norfolk to see Maupin and her family.

The road to recovery is going to be a long for Maupin, who received multiple brain contusions, Dozier said.

&uot;She has a long haul ahead of her if she survives all this,&uot; Dozier said.

But it’s possible, Dozier said, pointing out a former cheerleader, Laura Vann, who suffered serious injuries after an accident on Bennetts Pasture Road last May.

&uot;She is a miracle today,&uot; said Dozier said. &uot;She is still in therapy…but has recovered beautifully.&uot;

Whenever someone seems to lose hope for Christina, &uot;I just tell them to remember Laura,&uot; Dozier said.