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Laurel's James H. Harrison Elementary School has announced its honor roll students for the first quarter grading period. Students must earn a 3.0 to earn the recognition, said third-grade teacher Karen Taylor.
The following students were named to the honor roll: third-graders Zayne Ali, Ayanna Barzey, Pedro Chavarria, Tanice Coates, Franklin Cruz, Tiffani Do, Mike Figueroa, Crystal Gang, Ayanna Green, Khadeejah Hawkins, Shane Iseli, Jule Lambert, William Little, Sofia Lopez, Jeffrey Mendoza, Charles Nji, Anna Mae Ortaleza, Yaseen Salley, Jite Sankoh, Sarah Silski and Oneil Ward; fourth-graders Andrew Barbosa, Daniel Barbosa, Nyasia Dawson, Tranaya Diggs, Izehumah Eyiba, Robert Holt, Isal Kamara, Brian Le, Nelson Mejia, Grant McDonald, Joseph Murray, Erikan Olu, Jorge Reyes, Paige Seabrooks and Kilmer Valdez; fifth-graders Joseph Alfaro, Denise Ayling, Denis Ayling, Myia Banks, Justin Brittingham, Shakei Cummings, Shakiya Cummings, Daniel Chavarria, Matthew Dillion, Elder-Jerycho Herrera, Taylor Gaines, Tamia Hammond, Morgan Parker, Alia Parker, Alaisjah Powell, Kevin Ramierz, Ricardo Varela Jr. and De'zjanai Tinsley; and sixth-graders Juancarlos Banks, Avery Blizzard, Justin Branch, Deanna Esan, Brandon Goodwyn, Duane Lindsey, Jose Lopez, Genesis Lopez, Mario Mercado, Gerald Moore, Eric Morton, Richard Olivares, Crystal Rivera, Dominique Rogers, Tyler Seabrooks, Michael Silski, Terrance Smith and Brandon Stanley.
The students were honored at an award assembly Friday at the school.
City committee hosts holiday decorating contest
The City of Laurel Civic Improvement Committee will sponsor a holiday decorating contest for businesses and residences within the city limits of Laurel. Up to 10 homes and businesses will be honored.
Gayle Snyder, a member of the committee and president of the Laurel City Council, said holiday spirit is the main judging criterion — not the most fancy or beautiful decorations.
"We just look for lights and if they put them up with some care ... and that we can see that some work and effort has gone in," she said.
Committee members will divide up the city in mid-December and take note of decorated homes as they drive through each section. Final judging will take place Dec. 17 and residents may call 301-776-8966 up until that point with nominations. The committee will place congratulatory signs in the yards of the contest's winners.
The contest, now in its sixth year, is often a holiday-season highlight for residents, Snyder said.
"It's just a fun thing to acknowledge everybody and bring the community together," she said.
Laurel residents complete basic training
Four Laurel natives have completed basic training in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Marketia S. Cyrus and Air Force Airmen Gabriel A. Antonia and Allydria A. Rucker graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, where they completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
They also earned four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Cyrus is the daughter of Mark Cyrus and Elmira Hall of Earbory Court in Laurel and a 2007 graduate of Laurel High School. Rucker is the daughter of Charmain Rucker of Eastgate Lane in Laurel and a 2008 graduate of Laurel High School. Antonia is a 2006 graduate of Laurel High School
Navy Airman Rashon G. Christopher, son of Wendell O. Christopher Sr. of Laurel recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Christopher completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was placed on physical fitness.
Laurel resident named to minority business commission
Laurel resident Essien-Ita Offiong is among eight individuals nominated by Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) for the Minority Business Opportunities Commission and confirmed by the County Council Nov. 10.
The commission is responsible for monitoring the efforts of county government in procuring goods and services from minority business enterprises through the implementation of and compliance with the county's Minority Business Opportunities Program. Offiong was sworn in following a confirmation hearing.
Offiong is a 2009 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He served as an intern in the Office of the County Executive where he assisted with assignments involving international trade, economic development and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. He will be the citizen representative.
Registrations being accepted for 5K race
Registrations are being accepted for the eighth annual Tom's Reindeer Run held each November in memory of Tom Linsenmeyer, a 17-year-old who committed suicide in 2001.
Linsenmeyer lived in West Laurel and attended St. Vincent Pallotti High School, where he played soccer and lacrosse and was "the life of the party," said his brother, John Linsenmeyer.
The Nov. 28 event will benefit Sarah's House, a supportive housing program for homeless men, women and children near Ft. Meade. Last year's race drew 290 participants and brought in $6,000 for the charity.
The race starts and ends at the West Laurel Community Building. Visit tomsreindeerrun.org or call John Linsenmeyer at 443-896-7561. Advanced registration is $30.
Bond Mill Elementary craft fair set for Saturday
Bond Mill Elementary School in West Laurel will hold its 27th annual craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the school, 16001 Sherwood Ave. Gift items, hand-crafted items, bake sale, breakfast and lunch foods will be available for sale. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. All proceeds will go toward end-of-the-year activities for the fifth-grade class.
For more information, call the school at 301-497-3600 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.