Reservoir High School graduated yet another class of outstanding students. The Reservoir principal's Golden Gators went to: Bailey Clarke, Kathryn Gaverth, Russell Grumbine, Liz Lee, Evan Miller, Linda Nguyen, Deven Powell, Ethan Spangler, Kim Stewart, Jonathan Terry and Brandon Williams. The School Service awards went to Ryan Sabot and Deven Powell. The Outstanding Senior awards went to Patrick Grover and Ryan Dorson and the STAR Award went to Robert Barrett. Senior Sarah Hermina received the Baltimore Community Foundation's WJZ-TV Jerry Turner Broadcast Scholarship, a very prestigious award, as the selection process for this scholarship was competitive. Congratulations, Sarah!
And congratulations to the graduating class of 2011. You are of a generation that has never not known the personal computer, laptops, video gaming systems or cell phones. And, as you embark on the next phase of your lives, I wish you well and that you enjoy great success in all your endeavors, whatever they may be.
Here's an interesting item for all county rising freshmen. The Howard County Police Department is conducting a summer program aimed at helping rising freshmen succeed in high school. The P.L.E.D.G.E. program is five days in length and teaches the participants leadership, communication skills, teamwork, and decision-making abilities that will help them when they enter high school.
The leadership camp is staffed by school resource officers, who work with students in the high schools throughout the year. The program targets graduating eighth grade students who will be freshmen at Howard County high schools this fall. This program is designed to specifically educate eighth grade students who have not had serious contact with law enforcement, disruptive behavioral issues or multiple suspensions.
The first P.L.E.D.G.E. Leadership Camp will be conducted June 27-July 1 at a county high school. The second will be Aug. 1-5 (to accommodate summer school students). The locations will be announced in late May. Each day there will be activities, group outings, and meals provided to your student, at no cost to you. For more information and an application, go to http://www.howardcountymd.gov/Police/Docs/2011pledgecamppacket.pdf
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the annual community-wide yard sale, sponsored by the Reservoir High School football program, in association with various members of the local community. It will take place June 25 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A single parking space spot to display your items will set you back $15; two spaces are $20; three spaces is $25 and so on. Set-up starts at 7 a.m. and all vehicles need to be parked and out of the way by 7:45 a.m.
For more information and a registration form, send an email to JamieDavis04@gmail.com. NOTE: the sale of food and/or beverages is not permitted.
On the same date and not too far away in Clarksville will be the 133rd Annual Clarksville Picnic takes place at St. Louis Catholic Church. A lot has changed over past century and a third. The picnic used to be in August and this area being a farming community, the farmers raised all the food and then it was prepared fresh on the day
I think the only item that is still prepared from scratch is the cucumber salad, a picnic mainstay. So, come be part of something bigger than yourself and join your friends and neighbors for a fun day with your family at the Clarksville picnic. The grounds open at 10 a.m. and the dinner tent opens at noon. There's lots of fun for all.
Happy birthday to my son, Charlie Gait. He's attending the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where he is entering his senior year. He turns 22 on Flag Day (June 14) so don't forget to fly Old Glory that day.
Well, that's all for this week. Commit a random act of kindness. Look in on your neighbors. Say a prayer for our troops who are serving in harm's way and remember their families, too.