Columbia newsmakers

Donations collected

Several pupils at Riverside Elementary School recently collected more than $2,300 to be sent to the American Red Cross and the United Fund for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. A second-grade class also collected $1 from each pupil to be sent to the children in Afghanistan.

Food drive contribution

Guru Singh Sibha of Augusta, the Sikh congregation in Columbia County, recently held a food drive and raised $500 for Golden Harvest Food Band. Approximately 20 families participated. The congregation is located on Evans to Locks Road.

Wedding anniversary celebrated

The Rev. and Mrs. Randall Whitaker recently celebrated their 25 anniversary on Sept. 22 with a reception at Powell Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The gathering was given by their children, Steve and Stephanie Whitaker, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Green and the Dorcas Sunday School Class of Powell Baptist.

JROTC donation

The Evans High School JROTC Knight Rifle Team recently received a $400 donation from American Legion Post 192 in Evans for the purchase of a new air rifle. Pictured are: (from left) Sammie Stokes, rifle team coach; cadet Nick Roberson; Jim Harden, president of the post; and cadet Robert Busler.

Constitution celebration

Augusta Preparatory Day School's third-graders recently participated in a celebration for Constitution Week. Students the Preamble to the Constitution by putting it to music. Kevin Cloud, a lower school music teacher, and Pat Preston, a third-grade teacher, helped students through the process. Students also watch the American flag being raised and then lowered as the Prep community mourned the events of Sept. 11.

Homecoming coronation

Annie Pearl Walker, daughter of John and Louise Walker of Wrens, was recently crowned Miss Senior at Fort Valley State University's 2001-2002 homecoming coronation. Walker was escorted by Capt. Anthony Walker and is a senior majoring in early childhood education.

Veteran's Day presentation

The Evans High School Knight and Lady Knight drill teams and color guards recently participated in several Veteran's Day celebrations. The school's color guard presented the colors at Evans Middle School and was joined by both of Evans High's drill teams at the Augusta Veteran's Day Parade. The color guard also performed at The Golden Corral on Bobby Jones Expressway.

Student commendation

Corrie Navarro, a senior at Augusta Christian Schools, has been named a commended student in the 2002 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Homecoming queen crowed

Holly Blount, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Linden Blount of Martinez, was recently crowned homecoming queen at Valdosta State University. Blount is majoring in mass media, is the vice president of Phi Mu sorority and is a member of Valdosta State's Student Government Association. She also was selected to serve on an executive committee for the College of Communication Arts and is a member of her school's tennis team.