SCHOLARSHIPS: Sixteen Triangle students have received $1,000 scholarships as part of a statewide program sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina.

The program offers scholarships to high-achieving students with significant financial needs.

The area winners are: Terri Jordan of Siler City; Chazle Lassiter of Durham; Stephanie Snead of Garner; Amelia Solkoff of Durham; John Dooley of Raleigh; Sista Jakelin Bonilla of Siler City; Lex-Jordan Ibegbu of Raleigh; Ashley Harris of Apex; Dawn-Sherryl Nwaebube of Raleigh; Fan Chang of Raleigh; Maya Clanton of Garner; Jessica Pope of Cedar Grove; Jesus Ruiz of Clayton; Gavin Walker of Durham; Ghafar Raza of Raleigh; and Melody Simpkins of Garner.

JOHNSTON COUNTY

POLENTA PRINCIPAL HONORED: The Johnston County Association of Educational Office Professionals recently named Deborah P. Johnson its administrator of the year. Johnson is principal at Polenta Elementary School. The association also honored Launa Martin as educational office professional of the year. Martin serves as a receptionist at Clayton Middle School.

PENNY WAR: The students at Archer Lodge Middle School waged a "penny war" in May, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The grades battled for top rank with seventh grade emerging victorious. A total of $1,818.17 was raised for the Relay for Life.

TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISER: Students at South Johnston High School raised $1,600 for the Relay for Life through a student talent show. Amber Wood won first place and $150 for her vocal rendition of Beyonce's "Listen." Jayvon Tyler won second place and $100 for his dance routine to a medley of Michael Jackson hits. And Taylor Sanders clinched third place and $50 with his recital of Debussy's Arabesque No. 1 on the piano.

ORANGE COUNTY

SUMMER READING: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will hold a series of events to commemorate turning 100 during the next school year.

Over the summer, students are encouraged to prepare for the first event, a November book chat that will include a panel discussion by community members who attended segregated schools.

The Centennial Committee has selected three books for students of different grade levels. Students in kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to read Carole Boston Weatherford's "Dear Mr. Rosenwald." Students in grades four through seven are encouraged to read Mildred Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry." Students in grades seven through 12 are encouraged to read Taylor's prequel, "Roll of Thunder, The Land."

Over the summer, a Centennial Celebration section will be posted on the district's home page. It will include some online resources and blogs for readers taking part in this observance.

YOUTH COUNCIL: The town of Chapel Hill's Youth Council will accept applications through June 30 from high school students interested in joining.

Applicants must reside within the district of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, but they may be attending public, private, home school or charter school. The youth council meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Hargraves Center, 216 N. Roberson St.

The purpose of the council is to familiarize and involve its members with the various departments of town government, including the Town Council and mayor's office. Participants also are expected to become involved in community service projects. Through membership in the State Youth Advocacy Council, there are opportunities to attend workshops, conferences and retreats designed to enhance leadership, team building, and service learning skills.

For applications and information, call Liz Mason Carter at 968-2787, ext. 212, or send e-mail to lcarter@townofchapelhill.org.

To submit information online about school-related events and achievements, go to share.triangle.com and click on "schools" and then the "school news" link. For more information, call Becky Beach at 829-4629 or send news to The News & Observer, 215 S. McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27601.

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