Miranda Adkins,| So Salem

Dr. Seuss Day at Fort Lewis Elementary.

"Do you like green eggs and ham?"

"I do not like them, Sam-I-am. I do not like green eggs and ham"

The pre-K, kindergarten, first, and second grades at Fort Lewis Elementary School were treated to a reading of Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham," a snack of ham from HoneyBaked Ham, and cupcakes from the school's PTA in honor of "Read Across America" day and Dr. Seuss's birthday on Tuesday morning, March 2.

Melissa Overbay, a sales representative for the company, came dressed as The Cat in the Hat, whiskers and all, to read the book. She also visited W.E. Cundiff and Hurt Park Elementary schools that morning.

"We feel a special connection to Dr. Seuss because he promoted eating ham -- here and there and everywhere," said Suzanne Guilfoyle in a press release. She is owner of the HoneyBaked store located just off Colonial Avenue near Virginia Western Community College. "We're excited to find a way to partner with local schools to help show children just how fun reading can be, and to see if they like ham without green eggs."

The HoneyBaked Ham Co. specializes in the country's original spiral-sliced gourmet ham, as well as complete meals including sides and desserts for both special occasions and everyday family dinners. The HoneyBaked Ham Co. also offers an expansive lunch and catering menu.

For more information on HoneyBaked Ham's foray into children's literature, contact Suzanne Guilfoyle at 540-857-HAMS (4267).

-- Miranda Adkins

Salem Forensics sweep Region IV on their way to state tournament

The Salem Forensics team hosted the Region IV Forensics tournament, and the team cruised to its sixth consecutive region title with a 61-12 victory over 2nd place Blacksburg.

Leading Salem were seven individual regional champions, but the most important result is that all 17 Salem entries at regions (the maximum amount possible) will advance to states on April 10 at Harrisonburg High School. This is the third time in four years that Salem will send a full compliment of competitors to the state competition. Typically in a field of 40 schools in Group AA only two schools will qualify as many as 10.

Salem Regional Champions: 1st place Duo: Seniors Jenna Whisler/Hallie Newcomer (Straight firsts from all six judges!)

1st place Humorous: Sophomore Kathryn Zamorski (Straight firsts from all six judges)

1st place Impromptu Speaking: Senior Michael Robertson

1st place Prose Sophomore: Drew Kearns

1st place Poetry: Junior Jade Andrade

1st place Oratory: Senior Samantha Stepp

1st place Storytelling: Sophomore Emily Shelton

Also advancing to states include: Senior Amber Keesee (2nd place Poetry, Sophomore Mary Cameron Brooks/Freshman Savannah Stevens (3rd place Duo), Sophomore Katelyn Barker (2nd Dramatic), Senior Jessica Scaggs (3rd Dramatic), Junior Lauralee Cook (2nd Humorous), Freshman Austin Peters (2nd Impromptu), Freshman Sarah Gobble (2nd Oratory), Freshman Natalie Foley (2nd Storytelling), Junior Jerrel Ledbetter (2nd Foreign Extemporeous), and Junior Joanne Tranquille (2nd Domestic Extemporaneous).

Submitted by Mark Ingerson

RAYSAC looking  to help keep teens safe on prom night

With prom season around the corner, RAYSAC -- Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition -- is raising funds to keep area teenagers safe at after prom parties. "We have not had an accident that resulted in injury or death to a student at a participating high school since the program started 22 years ago," said Operations Manager Ray Bemis.

Again this year, RAYSAC will offer a powerful incentive -- a new car. The vehicle is a metallic blue Nissan Sentra donated by First Team Auto Mall. It is the 19th year First Team has donated a vehicle.

The after prom program covers more than 90 high schools across the region.

In addition to the car, other prizes, such as mountain bikes and electronics are offered as incentives for kids to stay at the parties all night. RAYSAC is looking for financial support for the other incentives. "We do our fundraising now, so we don't interfere with the individual schools, which tend to solicit support closer to prom time," said coordinator Kathy Sullivan. "We use the cash to buy gift cards, which the kids prefer."

The Nissan Sentra and other prizes will be given away at Valley View Mall on Sunday, June 6. Four people will be chosen from each high school to participate in the day's events. One student from each school will select from a group of keys to the vehicle -- but only one key will work. The student who successfully starts the car gets to keep it.

Submitted by John Carlin

A musical salute to Black History Month

Salem High School's Theatre and Choral departments put on a special show for students in honor of Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 25.

During the morning assembly, the first performance was the play "Amazing Grace," a short, low-tech play based on a children's book about a girl who learns that she can dream to be anything she wants. Jackee Jordan played Grace, Destiny Mitchen played Grace's mother, and Sadee' Hooper played Grace's grandmother from Trinidad.

The Salem Chorale sang a spiritual, "Signs of the Judgment" and a Temptations medley with choreography.

The Salem Singers followed up with Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" and Gladys Knight and the Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia." Soloists included Lauryn Dutton, Erin Malone, Laura Keeley, Ashley Bushnell, and Katelyn Barker.

-- Miranda Adkins