Attention high school juniors and seniors: If you're interested in spending your summer being one with nature, you should apply for the Summer Exploration Program at N.C. State University.

The program allows teens to spend a week in July combing through the woods and exploring wildlife and recreation.

It is sponsored by the university's College of Natural Resources.

Students will also study ecology, learn how to do surveying and mapping with GIS/GPS mapping, and work hands-on with outdoor field experts.

The application deadline is April 14. The program costs $300. A $100 deposit is due with the application.

Cost covers room, board, food, materials and supplies.

Students who are in good academic standing with their high school and have genuine interest in NCSU and the College of Natural Resources are eligible to apply.

For more information, visit www.cnr.ncsu.edu. Or call Vonda Easterling, director of enrollment management, at 515-5510

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The Association for Career and Technical Education is again sponsoring the Cliff Weiss Essay Contest for high school students enrolled in at least one CTE course.

The essay should answer the following question: "How would you communicate the impact and importance of CTE related to your community?"

The contest is named after Weiss, who was the former senior Director of Communications for the group, according to its Web site. Weiss, who had a passion for CTE died in 2004. The purpose of the contest is to recognize students with the same passion, the Web site states.

Entries should be no more than 500 words. The winner will receive $250.

The deadline is March 31.

For more information, visit www.acteonline.org.

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If you don't have plans this weekend, check out students from Raleigh Charter High School performing Rodgers and Hammerstein's version of "Cinderella."

The play starts at 7 p.m. tonight and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Students are performing in the auditorium of Cardinal Gibbons High School, 1401 Edwards Mill Road.

Tickets are $5 for students, children and seniors; $10 for adults.

Call 715-1155 for more information.

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Rising kindergarten students will get the chance to have lunch with their older brother or sister at Brier Creek Elementary School on March 5.

Brier Creek is at 9801 Brier Creek Parkway.

Call 484-4747 for more information.

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Monday kicks off Support Staff Appreciation Week for bus drivers, office staff, custodial and cafeteria workers.

Several schools across the district are are preparing special activities to say 'Thanks.'