Farewell, Wake County schools

Before I plunge into school news this week, I have some news of my own to share with you.

I have decided to leave the News & Observer and journalism to pursue my passion for advocating for children.

The past four years spent covering Wake schools and writing this column have been a wonderful experience for me.

That is why I am so excited about this next chapter of my life.

I have enjoyed writing about the many cool school programs and some of Wake County's finest students.

My last day is Sept. 29. After then, I can be reached at kepps1@nc.rr.com.

I will write my final News & Notes column for the Oct. 1 editions of the North Raleigh News and the Midtown Raleigh News. I will have more details then on where to send school information.

* * *

Sanderson Athletic Club will hold its annual Barbecue Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 17 by the "Spirit Rock" on the Raleigh high school's campus.

Plates will consist of barbecue pork, fried chicken, boiled potatoes, green beans, slaw, hush puppies, and tea for dine-in ticketholders.

Plates are $8.00 in advance. Sanderson students and teachers pay $6.00 in advance.

Please phone Cherron Lampkins at 798-4875 or e-mail her at clvsccr@aol.com for ticket information or to receive a sign-up sheet for your office or business. You may also contact her to volunteer on that day.

Proceeds of this event benefit all Sanderson athletic teams.

* * *

The 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards application is now available for students in grades five through 12 who go above and beyond in their communities.

The program is billed as the largest volunteer recognition program for young people. It began in 1995. According to a news release about the program, youth volunteering has increased by 12 percent over the last 10 years, and teens volunteer 2.4 billion hours annually.

For more information and an application, please go online to www.prudential.com/community spirit or call 1-800-450-9961.

* * *

The Wake Education Partnership and the Garner Chamber of Commerce are hosting a lunch roundtable on socioeconomic diversity in public schools at noon Oct. 1 at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course, 565 Competition Road in southern Wake County.

In February, the Wake Education Partnership issued a report supporting Wake County school's diversity policy.

President Ann Denlinger said she planned to speak to town leaders and parents about the policy.

Registration for the roundtable is $10 and includes lunch.

Other roundtable discussions are planned throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.wakeedpartnership.org.

Kinea White Epps -Midtown only