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Don and Sharon Boyer have coached track and field and cross country for a total of 70 years, leading their teams to win a combined 24 state championships and 16 state runner-up team titles.
Now, the sporting communities they have dedicated so much of their time and energy to are honoring their service to Middletown's youth athletes by establishing a scholarship fund in their names.
The alumni of Middletown High's track and field and cross country programs recently created The Don and Sharon Boyer Scholarship Fund with The Community Foundation of Frederick County.
The fund will award scholarships to Middletown graduates who have participated in either of the sports programs the couple has led for so long.
Though their coaching records are what have made them so well-known in the community, the Boyers are beloved for their coaching styles as well.
"They accept any student, no matter what their ability and make them feel a part of a team, and also make them realize their capabilities," said Rose Meek, whose two sons have been coached by the Boyers. "What they do really makes a difference in the kids' lives."
The two coaches also formed Youth Edu-cultural Services, a nonprofit organization that promotes international exchanges and trips for area youths.
To donate to the scholarship fund, visit www.cffredco.org and click on the "contribute" button. Donations can also be made by sending checks with the fund's name in the memo line, made payable to the Community Foundation of Frederick County, to 312 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701.
Brunswick student named Byrd Scholar
Brunswick High School student Jacob Birkholz was chosen by the Maryland State Department of Education earlier this month as one of 143 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholars for 2009.
Birkholz, who graduated in the top 1 percent of his Brunswick High class this year, will receive a four-year scholarship worth up to $1,500 per year, to be used for undergraduate study at any institution of higher education.
The award is based on cost of attending his chosen school.
The scholars were chosen from more than 600 nominees from across the state.
"The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is designed to promote student excellence and achievement," a Department of Education statement said. "… [And] recognizes exceptionally able students that show promise of continued excellence as they pursue higher education."
Lions donate to food bank
The Middletown Lions Club earlier this month presented a $400 donation to the Middletown Food Bank. Presently the Middletown Food Bank supports monthly about 377 area residents.
Charity rock concert helps Frederick Rescue Mission
"Gimme Shelter," a charity rock concert held May 30 at The Banner School, raised $682 for The Frederick Rescue Mission.
The concert was the brainchild of rising eighth-graders Philip Book, Luke Caso, Brendan Crowley and Austin Rose, who attend The Banner School in Frederick.
The boys are also members of the rock band Anonymous, which performed May 30 with musicians from The Frederick Rescue Mission and Stif from Catoctin High School.
A band of faculty members from The Banner School also performed.
The Frederick Rescue Mission is a nonprofit that runs a Christian faith-based drug and substance abuse recovery program, provides hot meals for the homeless and operates a food bank for families in need.
Students win poster contest
Jacob Fogle and Michael Tartaglia, students at Middletown Middle School, were chosen as two Frederick County winners of the 2009-10 Maryland Economic Concepts Calendar.
The students were invited to Towson University to receive certificates and $50 savings bonds and were joined there by their families, and social studies teacher Linda Caron.
Middletown student earns master's
Andrea N. Riner, of Middletown, received a master of public health degree in international health and epidemiology from Boston University at the school's spring commencement ceremony.
Nine graduate from police academy
The Frederick Police Department graduated nine new officers during its 51st Police Academy graduation ceremony on June 19. The ceremony at the Weinberg Center for the Arts honored the following officers:
Sean N. Carpenter, Deborah S. Constantine, Ryan W. Hoy, Kyle E. Jones, Paul J. Malatesta, Gregory W. Morton, TiAnna N. Peterson, Thomas G. Walker and Benjamin E. Whitmore.
Do you have an item for Valley Voice? Contact reporter Connor Adams Sheets at 301-846-2130 or e-mail csheets@gazette.net.