Arielle Rosmarino of Salem has been named as a semi-finalists in the 2009 search for Huggable Heroes. Rosmarino is one of 208 young leaders recognized, honored and cele-bear-ated by Build-A-Bear Workshop for helping make the world a better place.

Arielle volunteers with Youth Speak Out About Traffic Safety and the Youth Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program. She does presentations, public service announcements and advocacy work.

Ultimately 12 youths will be named 2009 Huggable Heroes and honored at ceremonies to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, in July at the Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters. Each Huggable Hero will also receive $10,000 USD ($7,500 USD in the form of an educational scholarship and $2,500 USD from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity of the hero's choice).

Salem High grad wins Notre Dame London slot

Kevin Schweitzer, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, was accepted into the Notre Dame London Undergraduate Program for the Spring 2009 semester. He is majoring in English and Economics.

Schweitzer is a 2006 graduate of Salem High School and the son of Paul and Donna Schweitzer of Salem.

Bethany Holley graduates from JMU

Bethany Holley of Salem, a 2006 graduate of Salem High School, graduated suma cum laude from James Madison University on May 9 with a bachelor's degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and a minor in Elementary Education. Following graduation, she is attending graduate school. Holley is the daughter of Kenneth and Debra Holley of Salem.

Do you have someone in your family graduating from college this spring? If so, let us know at news@sosalem.com.

Financial aid director wins Sigma Chi Fraternity award

Thomas Blair Jr., Roanoke College's director of financial aid, recently received an award from the national office of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Blair has been inducted into the Order of Constantine, which is considered the highest honor the fraternity bestows upon its members.

Blair was chosen for his work as the Tau Chapter advisor.

Each year, the Order of Constantine recognizes a group of up to 14 Sigma Chi brothers for their commitment, dedication and service to the fraternity. The honor of being named a "Constantine Sig" has been awarded to less than 500 brothers since the establishment of the Order of Constantine in 1948.

For more on Blair's award, see The Notebook on sosalem.com

Talking baseball

The Salem Red Sox held a fun and informative seminar at the ballpark on May 9. My friend, Kathy Schlicht and I along with 27 other ladies were treated to a tour of the ballpark by Allen Lawrence, senior assistant manager. Our charming hostess was Jeanne Boester, Director of Ticketing and Special Events.

"How to score Baseball and other fun facts" was presented by Evan Lepler, Salem Red Sox radio broadcaster, and hitting, pitching and fielding lessons were given by manager Chad Epperson and players, Mike Jones and Luis Exposito . They were joined on the field by batting coach, Carlos Febles.

I don't think they were ready to sign any of us up, but they were very good sports. We also got to have lunch in the club room while Dr. Robert Williams, President of the Susan G. Komen, Greater Roanoke Affiliate, spoke about the need for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer."

Submitted by Barbara Krzysko