As American Education Week comes to a close, I wanted to say a few words about my experience. I was asked to attend the mock interviews held at Towson High School. The senior class dresses up and brings resumes for a mock interview with various members of the local business community. I interviewed 10 students and with each interview, I was pleased with their resumes, ability to articulate their career paths and college choices with clarity and straightforwardness. If these students are any indication, the future of the nation is in good hands.

T.J. Agnone, a member of Boy Scout Troop 497 (based at St. Joseph's Church in Cockeysville) and a student at St. Paul's School, recently led an effort to beautify the front entrance and courtyard of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, a new Catholic college prep school for low-income Baltimore City students that opened in fall 2007. The project, part of the community service that T.J. is completing to satisfy Eagle Scout requirements, began over the summer. Assisted by his parents Jaynee and Tony, brother Andrew, and about 25 friends and neighbors, T.J. constructed and installed two planters and four benches that now flank the school's main entrance. Sturdy painted wooden benches in the small courtyard of the school offer a place for students and staff to gather on pleasant days. T. J. and his team also planted shrubs and flowers and pulled weeds. T.J. received financial support for this effort from eight people, who contributed to an initial goal of $1,500. He became interested in helping out at the school when he heard the school president, Rev. John W. Swope, speak.

"We are thrilled that T.J. chose to dedicate his time and effort to Cristo Rey Jesuit," Swope said. "We are grateful to T.J., to the Boy Scouts, and to all the members of the greater Baltimore community who have supported our school."

Jeremiah Pearson, of Michelle Natale's fourth grade class at Padonia International School, recently participated in the "Punt, Pass and Kick" competition at Ravens Stadium. Jeremiah won his age group! He threw and kicked the football with accuracy and great distance - farther than any other 9-year-olds in the Baltimore area!Jeremiah and his brother and sister (both students at Cockeysville Middle School and their mom, Zeobia Richardson, recently moved here from Florida. He will next compete at the Ravens-Eagles game this month.

Special Awareness Day on Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. at Warren Elementary School will be followed by an obstacle course and sign language assembly at 1 p.m. Special guests include the Maryland Ravens Wheelchair Basketball Team, the Maryland School for the Blind and BCPS specialists in physical therapy, occupational therapy and autism.

Middle school conference--More than 3,000 middle school students and youth leaders from Maryland and adjoining states will experience a treasure-filled weekend of challenge and adventure at the ALIVE 2008:QUEST youth conference Nov. 21- 23 at the Ocean City (Maryland) Convention Center. Some of the local churches that will participate are St. John's Lutheran Church in Long Green, Hunt Valley Presbyterian Church and Ashland Presbyterian Church. 1-877-896-3802, www.mmyfc.org.

Dr. Thomas Rhodes, a dentist with offices in Hunt Valley, and Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation , under the auspices of The Smiles for Life, recently presented a check for children residing at Villa Maria. Albert Kirchmayr, owner of Kirchmayr Chocolatier in Timonium, hosted children from Villa Maria for an afternoon of making chocolate pumpkins on Halloween. The children first watched him and then made their own pumpkins and sampled the end results.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

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