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Montgomery County high school students and eighth graders interested in attending historically black colleges and universities are invited to attend the college fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road in Kensington.

Dozens of representatives from colleges and universities around the country are scheduled to appear at the event organized by Montgomery County Public Schools in partnership with the Washington Inter-Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund.

Event organizers are working to have on-the-spot college admissions as well as scholarships available for qualified high school seniors.

High school seniors interested in attending the event should contact their school's guidance counselors or career centers to register. Students seeking onsite acceptance should bring a completed application for the school, letters of recommendation and transcripts.

For more information on colleges that will have representatives at the event, contact Henry Thompson with the Inter-Alumni Council at 202-535-1678 or lookuphmt@aol.com.

The Einstein High School contact is Rosalie Deoto with the school's career center at 301-962-1020.

Foundations hold used car, used computer sales

Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation Inc. will hold a used car sale from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 19 at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road, Damascus. A lottery for the used cars will begin at 11 a.m. The snow date will be Feb. 28. All proceeds from the sale are returned directly to the student training program.

All used vehicles are Maryland inspected and most come with a 30 day, 1,000 miles warranty. Vehicle sale prices start as low as $1,600.  A $100 deposit (check or cash) is required on Feb. 21 for each vehicle purchased: tax, tags, and fees are in addition to the price of the vehicle. For more information and a list of the vehicles, contact Mike Snyder at 301-929-2164 or visit www.autocareers.org.

A used computer sale, featuring four black Dell Pentium desktop personal computers, sponsored by Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation Inc. will also be held from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 21 at Damascus High School. The snow date is Feb. 28. All proceeds from the sale are returned directly to the student training program.

These used PCs were donated to our unique educational program for refurbishment and testing by the Network Operations students as part of their classroom and lab studies. Each computer includes a CD-Rom drive, floppy disk drive, color monitor, keyboard, mouse, network interface card (for network installation or high-speed  internet connection), and four USP ports. Blank hard disk drive computers, with no operating systems, are priced at $69. Computers with Microsoft Windows XP Home installed are priced at $159. Add Maryland sales tax to all purchases; cash or checks only.

For more information, call John Brewer at 301-929-6975 or visit www.itfcareers.org.

Why not ‘Swing into Spring'?

Springbrook High School's Instrumental Music Booster Club will hold its "Swing into Spring" Dinner Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. March 7 in the Brook Café at the school, 201 Valley Brook Drive in Silver Spring. All proceeds from the event will support the Instrumental Music Program. Funds are needed to repair and replace instruments, build the music library, defray transportation costs to performances and festivals, and provide enriching educational opportunities for students.

Guests will be served dinner by the Springbrook instrumental music students and the school's jazz band will treat guests to the tunes of Ellington, Goodman, Basie, Miller and more for their listening and dancing pleasure. The Springbrook String Ensemble will perform music by Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi and others while guests dine. There will be a free dance lesson for beginners and guests will also have the opportunity to bid on a select group of items in the silent auction as well as win some door prizes.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for age 65 and older and students, and $12.50 for age 10 and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 301-717-7480 or e-mail

mharris4858@yahoo.com.

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On campus

Tsion Woldemariam of Burtonsville has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Frostburg State University in Frostburg. To be eligible for the dean's list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade-point average of at least 3.4.

Several Silver Spring and Takoma Park residents have been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. To be eligible for the dean's list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade-point average of at least 3.75. The students are: Samuel Olutobi, Alexander Richard Bodaken, Sharon Byer, Cate Sumner McCraw and Jonah Herbekian Zinn of Silver Spring and Julie-Anne Orlansky Spatz of Takoma Park.

Andrew Matthew Sims, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew L. Sims of Silver Spring, was named to the honor roll for the fall semester at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. To earn honor status, a student must earn a term grade- average of at least 3.75.

Nathan P. Lourie, son of Benjamin Lourie and Christine Arnold-Lourie of Silver Spring, was chosen to perform piano in the Angela Waite Recital at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Cadet Evan Louis Abramson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglass S. Abramson of Silver Spring, was named to the dean's list for the fall semester at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. To earn dean's list status, a student must register 12 or more semester hours with a grade-point average of 3.2 or more.

Jana Kristen Landon, the daughter of Johnnie A. Landon and Karen C. Cook of Silver Spring, a student at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., is studying French in Toulouse during the winter 2009 term as part of the college's study abroad program.

Michelle Tabisz, a 2008 Paint Branch High School graduate and last year's Maryland State Minds in Motion Award winner, made the dean's list at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. Tabisz, a biology major, is the starting first baseman for the Tigers softball team and the team's only freshman.

Elise Harvey of Takoma Park, daughter of Don W Harvey and Michelle M Harvey, was named to the 2008 fall semester dean's list of Emory College in Atlanta. Students must be in the top 20 percent of Emory College or have approximately a 3.850 grade-point average or higher to be named to the dean's list.

Volunteer to help a youngster read

Volunteer to help a struggling second grader become a skilled and enthusiastic reader at any of the following schools: Broadacres, Jackson Road, Cannon Road, Burnt Mills, East Silver Spring, Forest Knolls, Sligo Creek, Montgomery Knolls or Woodlin. Tutor the same child each week for one hour during school hours. Training and all tutoring materials are provided to the volunteers as well as on-site support. To find out how to volunteer, contact Peggy Graham at Montgomery County Public Schools at 301-279-3890 or see www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/readingnetwork.

Eight-grader win's Lutheran school Geography Bee

Eighth-grader Ariarna Odom is the winner of Calvary Lutheran School's third-annual Geographic Bee. The event, administered by Calvary's Principal Michael Gall, is a qualifier for the National Geographic Society's National Geographic Bee (www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee/). Calvary Lutheran School is located at 9545 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring.

Paint Branch NJROTC Air Rifle Team wins championship

The Paint Branch Air Rifle team won the Area Five NJROTC Championship Match on Jan. 24, taking first place out of 59 NJROTC units in Maryland and Virginia.

The Paint Branch marksmen, coached by Naval Science Instructor Quartermaster Chief Petty Officer Scott Williams, defeated arch rival and defending champion and three time winner King George High School, of King George, Va., for the team title. Paint Branch senior, Olutoba Adewusi won the individual gold medal, besting more than 120 marksmen in the Sporter Air Rifle Division.

The Paint Branch Air Rifle team is currently ranked fourth in the nation out of more than 1,000 competing high schools representing all branches of service. This ranking is based on overall performance of all area champions nationwide.

The Air Rifle team will compete in the Navy JROTC National Championship Match in late February, followed by the Junior Olympic State Championship Match in mid March. The team is currently the Maryland Junior Olympic State Champion. The team members are: seniors Olutoba Adewusi and Ho Young Kang, juniors Casey McGrath, Garland Christopher and Lucas Huston and sophomore Alexander Yee.

Kohl's accepting nominations for scholarship program

This year, Kohl's Department Stores plans to award nearly $350,000 in scholarships and prizes to recognize the selfless acts of more than 2,000 youth ages six through 18 who are making a difference in their communities through the Kohl's Kids Who Care� Scholarship Program.

To nominate a young volunteer for a Kohl's Kids Who Care scholarship, visit www.kohlskids.com. Nominations are accepted through March 15. Two nominees from each of Kohl's 1,004 stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl's gift card, and more than 190 of them will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. Ten national winners will be recognized with $5,000 scholarships toward their post-secondary education. Kohl's will also contribute $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on behalf of each national winner.

Submit work to National Peace Essay Contest

High school students are encouraged to submit their essays to the 2008-2009 National Peace Essay contest by Sunday for a chance to win up to $10,000 in scholarship money.

Students are asked to write about the theme "Confronting Crimes Against Humanity" in 1,500 words as part of the United States Institute of Peace's efforts to foster healthy discussions about peace and justice among U.S. students. A successful essay will address how world organizations like the United Nations can improve their ability to protect civilians from crimes against humanity during conflicts.

Up to 56 awards will be given; 53 state awards of $1,000 for winners from states and U.S. territories, along with three national awards ranging from $10,000 for the first-prize winner, $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place.

For detailed application information and contest guidelines, along with a study guide and a sample of a previous winning essay, visit www.usip.org/ed/npec/guide.html.

Paint Branch teams win sportsmanship award

Five varsity teams from Paint Branch High School won the Montgomery County Sportsmanship Award for the fall 2008 season. The award-winning teams are: field hockey, coached by Dan Feher; football, coached by Mike Nesmith; boys soccer, coached by Mike Kogok, girls soccer, coached by Danielle Prietz, and girls volleyball, coached by Nicole Shields.

The teams earned the award due to the school's effort in promoting sportsmanship, and support and courtesy towards officials. Sports officials, school administrators, athletic directors and assistant athletic directors all vote on each of three areas: the play and conduct of the school's athletes, the coach's sportsmanship and fan behavior during games, according to a news release from the Burtonsville school.

Calvary Lutheran hosts open house, story night

Calvary Lutheran School, a junior-kindergarten through grade 8 school at 9545 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring, will hold an open house 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 19. The school also will hold a Family Story Night with stories, puppets and fun 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. For more information on either event, call 301-589-4001, ext. 205, visit www.celcs.org or e-mail mgall@celcs.org.

Get help filling out financial aid forms

College-bound students and their families can get professional assistance filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at the 2009 College Goal Sunday event, which will be held on 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Charlene R. Nunley Student Services Center, 7625 Fenton Ave., of the Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus.

Students and families will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with financial aid professionals and use the Montgomery College computer labs to submit their FAFSA form online. Information will also be available about Maryland state grants and scholarships, and students can enter to win a $500 scholarship. Spanish interpreters will be available.

Students who are age 23 or younger should attend College Goal Sunday with a parent or guardian. Families should bring copies of their completed IRS 1040 tax form, W-2 form or other 2008 income and benefits information to assist with the completion of the FAFSA form. Students who are age 24 and older may attend alone and bring their own tax return, W-2 form or other information.

The snow date for this event will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Student Services Center on Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus.

For general information about College Goal Sunday and a complete listing of forms and financial aid records, visit www.collegegoalsundayusa.org.

To learn more about College Goal Sunday at Montgomery College, call the Montgomery College Office of Financial Aid at 240-567-5100.

Columbia Union College to send students to Annapolis

Students from Columbia Union College, 7600 Flower Ave. in Takoma Park, will visit Annapolis to meet with and talk to state legislators Feb. 12 as a part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's "Maryland Independent Higher Education Day."

Columbia Union is a member of the Maryland Independent College and University Association which will bring 150 college students and presidents to the Historic Inns of Annapolis, Calvert House for the meeting to discuss issues pertaining specifically to college students, including advocating the Sellinger Program fund, a state program for private higher education entities.

The students will meet with MICUA representatives at 10:15 a.m. in the Calvert House before visiting state legislators and officials. A luncheon is scheduled for 1 p.m., and guest of honor Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., president of the Maryland senate, will give the keynote address.

Fairland ES hosts kids festival, silent auction

The Fairland Elementary School PTA is seeking volunteers and donations for its Community Kids Festival & Silent Auction to be held April 19. Those interested in volunteering, should fill out the online volunteer registration form at http://fairlandes.mcpsprimetime.org/sac/addNewVolunteer.php.

Donation ideas can be anything from pet sitting services, the use of a vacation home, tickets to sporting events – anything you can imagine. Those interested in donating can fill out the donation form at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/fairlandes/fairlandPta/sac/sacDonation.pdf.

To pre-register as a bidder at the silent auction, fill out the online bidder registration form at http://fairlandes.mcpsprimetime.org/sac/addNewBidder.php.

For more information, e-mail to communitykidsfestival@gmail.com.

Calling all Olympians

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is looking for high school students interested in exercising their minds in the annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics.

ACT-SO was founded in 1978 to promote academic and artistic achievement among black high school students. Selected applicants will develop projects in up to three categories (sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts or business) with the help of a community member, teacher or other adult.

Winners at the local ACT-SO competition on April 19 will move on to the nationals in New York City July 8-12, where prizes include medals and scholarships. Judges offer feedback on projects.

National gold medalists will win $1,000, silver medalists will net $750 and bronze medalists will take home $500.

Applications must be turned in to the ACT-SO liaison at the student's school by Feb. 20. The competition is open to county students of African descent in grades 9-12.

For more information, visit www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/actso or contact Dr. Yvette Butler at yfbutler@gmail.com or 301-588-5502.

County students invited to enter commercial contest

Montgomery County student groups or organizations are welcome to create a commercial and enter it in a video contest sponsored by Drawing the Line on Under 21 Alcohol Use, a project of the Maryland Alcohol & Drug Abuse Administration, Montgomery County Health and Human Services and Family Support Center. Entrants can win cash and a trophy for a 30-second video message directed to their peers. Topics include:

-How media influences teen thoughts about underage drinking

-What teens can do to help a friend who drinks

-Drawing the Line: Il/ Legal, Un/ Healthy, Un/ Acceptable

Contest is now open. Deadline for video projects is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Mail or deliver to Drawing the Line on Under 21 Alcohol Use, Room 225, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902.

For more information, visit www.drawingtheline.org; www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/safe, or contact Meg Baker at 240-777-1123 or meg.baker@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Organization seeks volunteer teachers

English for Daily Living, a classroom program for parents of children in the Montgomery County Public Schools, is seeking volunteer teachers and assistant teachers for spring classes. Classes are held on weekdays, usually in the evenings, at schools in Silver Spring and Gaithersburg.

Lead teachers should have classroom teaching experience, experience teaching adults for whom English is a second language, enthusiasm for working with adult learners, and be available to teach eight two-hour weekly classes.

Assistant teachers should have an interest in working with adults for whom English is a second language and be available to assist during eight two-hour weekly classes.

For more information, contact Jayne Klein at the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, 301-610-0030 or e-mail jayne@literacycouncilmcmd.org.

Foreign exchange group seeks representatives

Asse International Student Exchange Programs is seeking representatives for Montgomery County to help promote and help administer the program. Representatives find and interview host families for the high school exchange program and act as counselors for the international teenagers visiting the area through the program.

The organization will train and reimburse representatives for their time and expenses.

For more information, call 800-677-2773 or visit www.asse.com.