Fire company ferries Santa to neighborhoods [Cockeysville]

There have been many Santa sightings around Cockeysville in recent weeks, delighting parents and children alike.

The Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company was responsible for spreading the holiday cheer as they assisted jolly old St. Nick on his rounds in such local neighborhoods as Hunter's Run and Sherwood Hill. Santa collected the last-minute Christmas wishes of children and passed out candy canes along the way.

Some neighborhoods, such as Springdale, go all out for this annual event welcoming Santa, with luminaries lining the streets and ending with a bonfire. This community tradition dates back almost 40 years! Many thanks to all the folks at the fire company, who not only keep us safe but do so much for our community.

Local students Olivia Wayson and Bobby Baird were recently recognized as Student Leaders by the Timonium Optimist Club. The awards were intended to highlight the goodness in today's youth as a part of the club's Youth Appreciation Week. Both are 8th-grade students at St Joseph's School. Principal Maggie Dates and Assistant Principal Janine Paetow were on hand as Olivia and Bobby were recognized.

"We were proud to be able to be there to help honor two of our outstanding eighth grade students who embody the best of St. Joseph School," Mrs. Dates said. During the event, the students spoke to the audience of their leadership and service activities. Congratulations to Olivia and Bobby!

Congratulations also to Luke Wayson, the kicker for Team Maryland, for his role in helping the team win the Football University National Championship. For the second year in a row, Luke, an 8th-grader at St Joseph's School (and twin brother to Olivia), traveled to Naples, Fla. with the team, which took on the best teams in the country in a single elimination tournament. Team Maryland bested them all and on Dec. 20 defeated Seattle 41-14 to be named the 2016 8th Grade National Champions. Team Maryland also beat KC Metro (Kansas City) and Team Massachusetts en route to the championship game. Luke was strong throughout the entire tournament and finished 5 for 5 in extra points during the final game. Great job, Luke!

In other football news, six members of the Dulaney High School football team were named to the Baltimore County All-Star team and recently played in the annual East vs West All-Star game. Congratulations to Jaylin Byers, Tyreek Henderson, Vernon McBride, GianLuca Parrotta, and Nico Yarbough on a well-deserved honor. Extra recognition goes out to GianLuca for being named a Baltimore Sun 1st Team All Metro player. Good luck to all these graduating seniors in their future endeavors!