Courtesy of Katie Pickard

Lord Botetourt students gather for See You at the Pole.

See you at the Pole happened Wednesday, Sept. 23, before school all over the United States. At Botetourt secondary school flag poles and several hundred Botetourt students gathered at Read Mountain Middle School, Central Academy Middle School, James River High School and Lord Botetourt High School to pray for the country, the leaders, for the American people, for guidance and for each other.

According to the Web site, the "See You At The Pole (SYATP) events will mark 20 years since the student-initiated and student-led movement started in the Ft. Worth suburb of Burleson, Texas, in 1990." Nationwide it was estimated that three million students would participate in the annual student lead prayer event.

At Read Mountain the students sang three praise songs and then prayed around the circle of about 115 students. At CAMS the students and several pastors prayed and then Rev. Kevin Cummings of Fincastle Baptist Church used a little sleight of hand to talk about the way life can tear you down, but God can put you back together.

At James River students some in dress-up for homecoming week gathered around the pole to pray. At LBHS guitar music, singing and Communion were highlights after the prayers.

Kiwanis name Denise Sprinkle as Educator of the Year

Denise Sprinkle is a hard-working teacher who has taught 31 years in Botetourt County. She teaches at Central Academy Middle School. On Thursday night, Sept. 10, she was recognized by the Botetourt Kiwanis Club as their Educator of the Year. Sprinkle, a lifelong Fincastle resident, was picked by an impartial panel of judges, noted Kiwanis president Clarence Renshaw.

He and two other Kiwanians, Cary Dudley and Jim Bushong, made the presentation to Sprinkle at the school Board meeting. Each Botetourt County School submitted an entry and Sprinkle was chosen on the merit of her ability.

Kiwanis supports education and Botetourt youth in the Builders Clubs and Key Club in the secondary level as well as other school activities like reading to children on the elementary level and providing scholarships.

Spaghetti Dinner will be Oct. 17 to benefit Amanda Petty

A Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fincastle Baptist Church to benefit Amanda Petty, who was seriously injured on Labor Day weekend in a car crash. Petty, a senior at James River High School, remains hospitalized. Music will be performed by The Conner Family, John and Melba Burleson and David Austin and Friends. Ticket sellers are sought. Helpers will be needed the day of the event as well.

Also anyone that will donate items for silent auction are being sought. Please contact DeeAnn Broughman ASAP at 1-540-863-3880 or email deelynn1d@aol.com.