Houston Special

Olympics set Friday

The Houston County School System will hold its annual Special Olympics 9:30 a.m. Friday at Bonaire Middle School.

The event begins with a short program welcoming the student athletes, parents and teachers. After lighting the Olympic torch, the competition begins. Students in grades kindergarten through 12 participate.

Some 354 students from 13 schools have registered to compete in track and field events such as the 50-meter walk/run, bocci, Frisbee throw, football throw, soccer skills, running/standing long jump and wheelchair events. About 300 volunteers will help run the competitions, cheer on the competitors, and present medals at the awards ceremony. Some of the volunteers are high school students who partner in school with their special needs classmates.

Shirley Randall, special education coordinator, said, “The community has been so supportive of this event. In particular, the Robins Air Force Base 5th Combat Communications Group has gone over and above in their willingness to help. They are sending volunteers and also providing tents, tables and chairs. We are so appreciative of the 5th Mob and all of our community partners.”

Bonaire Middle is at 125 Ga. 96 East in Bonaire. For more information, contact Randall at 478-988-6200, extension 10606, or Shirley.Randall@hcbe.net.

School council

meetings scheduled

• Lake Joy Elementary School will hold a school council election 6 p.m. May 11 in the school lunchroom. Three representatives will be elected to the council: one- year parent/business member, two-year parent/business member, and a two-year parent member.

Lake Joy Elementary is at 985 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins. For more information, contact Principal Doug Rizer at Douglas.Rizer@hcbe.net or 478-971-2712.

• Byron Elementary School will hold a school council meeting and election May 13 at the regular PTO meeting at the school.

Byron Elementary is at 202 New Dunbar Road in Byron. Dannelly Martin serves as principal. For more information call 478-956-5020.

• Houston County High School will hold a school council election 6 p.m. May 24 in the media center. Three representatives will be elected to the council: two parents and a business/parent representative will be elected to serve two-year terms.

Houston County High School is at 920 Ga. 96 in Warner Robins. For more information contact Principal Sherri Freeman at 478-988-6340 or Sherri.Freeman@hcbe.net.

Houston County High student,

teacher win trip to Turkey

Nicole Sikes, Houston County High School sophomore, and her English teacher, Rebecca Staines, won third-place in the Istanbul Center’s 4th Annual Art and Essay Contest in the high school essay category. They won a trip to Turkey and a $150 gift card.

The trip to Turkey includes visiting historic, cultural and natural sites, as well as official meetings for the students and teachers.

Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet, and Ankara, the capital of Turkey, are two main stops on the itinerary. The trip is planned in conjunction with the Turkish Ministry of Education, and there are special visits to some educational institutions. Airfare is not included, but other expenses - such as accommodation, transportation, food and admission fees to museums - are covered. While Staines is unable to accompany Sikes to Turkey, English teacher Crystal Barbour will go in her place.

The Istanbul Center organizes this art and essay contest for Georgia middle and high school students. Its partners are the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia State University’s College of Education, Kennesaw State University’s Department of Visual Arts, Oglethorpe University, the Georgia Humanities Council, the Georgia Art Educators’ Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and Youth Art Connection.

Warner Robins student

earns high honor

Warner Robins High School sophomore Keaundria Arielle Scott has been selected for the National Society of High School Scholars. The society recognizes top scholars and invites students who have achieved superior academic excellence.

The announcement was made by society founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.

Membership in the society entitles students to enjoy benefits such as scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, online forums, personalized recognition items and publicity honors.