AREA ELEMENTARY schools recently recognized outstanding achievement by graduating fifth-graders. Pupils who received the President's Award for Education Excellence earned a 3.5 or higher grade point average in their fourth- and fifth-grade years.
Each of the children received a lapel pin and a certificate with signatures of President Clinton and the secretary of education. Area elementary schools, and the pupils honored are:
Richard Henry Lee Elementary - Joseph Bard, Kayla Blackmon, Michelle Calianno, Kati Fisher, Frederick Fontz III, Justin Gardner, Jessica Ghrist, Carly Hall, Courtney Hayden, Grace Kosinski, Travis Kuhl, Zachary Moeller, Jade Pacaanas, Alexandra Ries, Jason Seman, Kenneth Seymour III, Sarah Towers, Rachel White and Quinten Wilson.
Marley Elementary - Angelina Broseker, Katelynn Eyster, Danielle Rodriguez, Kendra Shillenn, Christa Stramella (this columnist's daughter), Jenay Sampson, Ashley Taylor, Brittany Ealy, Jacklynn Swann and Emileerose Zaide.
Oakwood Elementary - Loghan Bazan, Lauren Cabrara, Kelly Leary, Lisa Pergler, Paul Weaver and Jennifer White.
Southgate Elementary - Kristen Adams, David Boyer, Victoria Burnley, Caitlin Dick, Ashley Evans, Carlene Gavigan, Andrew Griffith, Zachary Holbrook, Tanner Huett, Matthew Johnson, Danica Kim, Joseph Maxwell, Ashley McCormick, Kendra McKinney, Anthony Rosado, Brittany Thompson, Katherine Tomczak, Auriana Vila, Michael Willey, Robyn Williams and Kara Wilson.
Woodside Elementary - Lisa Cugle, Angel Debose, Sandra Drumm, Brian Poe, Robert Rodgers, Charles Smith and Samantha Tinkamanyire.
Point Pleasant Elementary - Nicole Feliciano, Cynthia Langford, Matthew White, Zuleima Hidalgo, Dustin Lisica, Christopher Wyatt, Sarah Christensen, Renate Affeldt, Avery Barnard, Stefanie Feeley and Jacqueline Frommelt.
High school honors
On the subject of school accomplishments, students in Glen Burnie High School's graduating class were awarded more than $820,000 in scholarship money.
The school administration named three students as valedictorians for the Class of 2000 - Andrea Hwang, Elizabeth Wallace and John Shiffin.
Other students placing in the top 5 percent academically included: Jason Stagno, Anne Harrelson, Thomas Serra Jr., Linda Grimm, Steven Arnwine, Nicole King, Nicole Chroniger, Patrick Hipp, Paul Florido, Melissa Dennis, Sung Tack Chung, Felicia Smith, Bryan Woody, Edmond Praybe III, Jennifer Davis, Douglas von Lindenberg Jr., Brian Purkins, Kellie Werner and Nella Hugo.
Glen Burnie concerts
Glen Burnie's Summer Concert Series will offer a half-dozen groups ranging from big band to rock. All concerts will be held in the Glen Burnie Town Center from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays. Admission is free, as is parking in the garage across from Town Center.
The Dixie Power Trio begins the series this week with the sound of New Orleans. Bayside Big Band will take the stage June 23. The blue grass style of Blue Daze will fill Town Center on June 30.
Blue Steele, which offers "rockin' boogie and blues," plays July 17. Special Delivery, a folk and country group, performs July 14. Package Deal, a band that plays '50s and '60s rock, ends the series July 21.
No alcoholic beverage or pets are permitted. Lawn chairs or blankets are recommended for seating.
Series sponsors are Glen Burnie Improvement Association, County National Bank, the Cultural Arts Foundation of Anne Arundel County, Signs by Tomorrow of Glen Burnie, and two area Democratic politicians - state Sen. James E. DeGrange Sr. and County Councilman Daniel E. Klosterman Jr.
Information: 410-647-0057.
Remembering dad
Glen Burnie fathers are likely to receive VIP treatment Sunday. After 364 days of changing diapers, reading bedtime stories, helping with homework, and a multitude of other duties, fathers receive a day of rest.
A popular saying holds, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy." How true. My husband earned daddy status early, and I expected no less. My dad was the creme de la creme of fathers, a daddy in the truest sense of the word.
No matter how tired my father was when he arrived home from work, he started his second shift. He taught us to ride a bike, do long division, hit a softball, swim the backstroke, pass algebra and drive a car.
When we began dating, he was always ready to implant the right touch of intimidation and fear into the hearts of the young boys who dated his three daughters.
It's a wonder any of the boys ever returned for a second date.
After I married, my father took a step back.
But he was always ready to help when I needed him
One call about a faulty light switch would bring my electrician dad to the door - tools in hand.
During the winter, he would show up with a stack of firewood for our pile.
Sometimes, he would drop by just to talk, a carryout coffee cup in his hand.
When I'd start to put on a fresh pot of coffee for a refill, he would tell me, "Don't bother." I'm glad I didn't listen.
My father died from a rare form of cancer. This is my third Father's Day without him.
If you're lucky enough to have your dad with you Sunday, give him an extra hug from me.