The students are Patrick Ballard and Clark Pixton of Sanderson High School and John Hammond of Wake Forest-Rolesville High School.

Semi-finalists first take the preliminary SAT and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students must demonstrate a strong academic record, be referred by a school principal, complete a scholarship application and self-descriptive essay, and provide information about participation and leadership in school and community activities, according to the program's Web site, www.nationalmerit.org.

The National Merit Scholarship Program began in 1955.

Winners receive a $2,500 scholarship and are notified in February.

Also visit the Web site and learn more about the program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program.

This program was started in 1964 to honor African-American high school students. A $2,500 scholarship is also given.

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Sanderson High School's Athletic Club is sponsoring its annual fall barbecue from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Oct. 27.

Plates cost $8 and includes barbecue, hushpuppies, fried chicken, cole slaw, green beans, potatoes and iced tea.

Proceeds from the dinners are used for an athletic banquet and to purchase letter jackets for varsity players.

Dinners can be picked up at the school. Businesses that order 15 or more plates can have the meals delivered.

For more information, contact Ralph Peterson, a member of the athletic club, at ascotpete@aol.com.

* Also congrats to the Sanderson undefeated girls cross-country team. The 25-member team recently finished its season, winning nine meets.

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Stop by Outback Steakhouse at 7500 Creedmoor Road and help judge Lynn Road Elementary School's pumpkin decorating contest. Fourth- and fifth-grade classes at the school have decorated pumpkins that will be on display at the restaurant from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.

The winning class will receive a free kids meal and the teacher gets a $45 gift certificate.

Winners will be announced Oct. 31.

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Green Year Round Elementary School at 5307 Six Forks Road has planned a Track Out Opportunities and Afterschool Programs Fair at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Businesses that offer track-out programs will be on hand to talk to parents.

For more information call 881-1390.