Sherry Shapiro, professor of dance and director of women's studies at Meredith College, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to do research and lecture at the University of Cape Town in South Africa during the 2009 spring semester. Shapiro will research dance education in the new South African curriculum and examine the implications for dance education in the process of democratic transformation. She will teach choreography to dance education students at the University of Cape Town and give workshops in dance education for teachers. The course and workshops will use a process Shapiro describes as using "dance as a vehicle for increasing both self and social understanding among students." Recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement and leadership potential in their fields.

Fuquay scout reaches Eagle rank

Travis Douglas Jones of Troop 75, chartered by American Legion Post 116 of Fuquay-Varina, was formally awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at Fairview Baptist Church on June 28. Travis is the son of Ronnie and Hope Jones of Fuquay-Varina. He earned the rank after completing his Hemlock District board of review on March 12. For his Eagle service project, Travis supervised the landscape renovation around the flagpole at the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department Station 2 at 5617 Hilltop Road. Travis is a junior at Wake Christian Academy, where he is a member of the varsity cross-country team and student council secretary. As a member of Troop 75 since October 2004, Travis has earned 31 merit badges along with other honors. After the ceremony, Eagle Scout Coy Taylor gave Travis the Eagle Scout Charge, and each Boy Scout present from Troop 75 congratulated him on his accomplishment. Then Travis fastened a pin on each of his parents and thanked his family, friends and Assistant Fire Chief Jim Jones for helping him reach the rank of Eagle Scout.