Photo courtesy of Sarah Hazlegrove

North Cross School fifth-graders re-enact a clash between the Roman army and Celtic barbarians on Friday, May 1.

On Friday, May 1, at noon, 40 North Cross School fifth-graders re-enacted a Roman battle scene they had been learning about in their history class.

Roman legionaries and Barbarian Celts went head to head in full attire fighting with hand-painted plywood shields, replicas of Roman swords.

Fifth-grade history teacher Victor Lamas led the Roman army and Middle school English teacher, Henry Wise, led the Celtic barbarians into battle.

According to the press release from North Cross on April 24, "Lamas, whose story-telling teaching style involves hands-on activities and experiences, believes that history can be interesting for students when they're actively engaged. In the past, Lamas' fifth grade students have reenacted several different historical plays that correspond with his class lessons. Lamas is the chair of the History Department and has been teaching at North Cross School for eleven years. He has a bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University and a master's degree from the University of Virginia."

For more photos by Sarah Hazlegrove of the battle, visit The Notebook on swo-co.com.

Hidden Valley High School holds art show

Hidden Valley High School showed their creative side this week at an art show held in the gym. All of the school's art classes participated and filled the gym with their artwork.

The art show was on display Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, with a reception on Thursday evening from 3:30 to 8:30.

Students had the opportunity to sell some of their artwork as well.

Five AP students also had their artwork on display. They were: Michael Garrett, Lauren Strong, Natalia Data, LIlin Tan, and Madeline Blake.

Strong, 18 and a senior who plans to go to Virginia Western in the fall and then to James Madison University to become a nurse practitioner, spent a lot of time and energy on the artwork she had on display which included clay pots she scultped and painted.

"I'm definitely more of a 3D-type person," she said. "I like adding weird things, like petals to my pottery, and give it some texture. They are all hand built."

"You have to babysit clay, so some of them take weeks. I just create what comes to my head. I'm pretty inspired by my mom. I have a niche for doing it. I like creating something no one's done before. It doesn't always turn out like I plan it to."

Michael Garrett, 18 and a senior who will attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii in the fall to study Fine Arts, said that his artwork stands out because of his use of color.

"I think the only thing I keep in common in my art work is color. I like to do people mostly and abstract for fun. I get my inspiration from fashion and my friends. It usually takes me two to three days and with people -- I spend the majority of my time on the face. It's relaxing, I like to be creative."

Burton Center students are recognized by Roanoke County School Board

Members of the Roanoke County School Board get a first-hand look at a new drag racecar constructed by students at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology. They took a look at the car on Thursday, May 28, at the Roanoke County School Board Meeting. They also honored those students who worked so hard on the racecar.

Submitted by Chuck Lionberger, Roanoke County Public Schools

Bake sale at Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley seniors recently held Roanoke's first "Great American Bake Sale" through the Share our Strength Program. They held the Bake Sale on May 28 in conjunction with senior activities and raised over $300 to support local and national charities that are helping to end childhood hunger in America. Sponsors were Carrie Honaker and Mara Pufko. For a slideshow of photos, visit The Notebook on swo-co.com

Submitted by Carrie Honaker

Faith Christian School seeks ideas for 2010 Project Faith

Faith Christian School and their Project Faith committee has decided to take suggestions for their Project Faith next year from people and/or organizations for 2010

According to Susan Childs, Assistant Director of Development, a big proposal is not necessary. Childs and the Project Faith committee just ask for ideas. They will then make site visits to determine details as they do every year. The only thing they ask is that the service be age appropriate for Kindergarten to grade 12 and it can be any size project -- meaning for 100 or 400 volunteers.

If you are interested in sending in your idea ideas, mail your suggestions to Project Faith Committee, Faith Christian School, 3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. A decision will be made in early fall.

Roanoke Bar awards scholarships

The Roanoke Bar Association Foundation (RBAF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 James N. Kincanon Scholarships. The scholarship program was established in 1997 in honor of James N. Kincanon, Esq., in recognition of his 50 years of service as Secretary/Treasurer of the Association. With the 2009 awards, the RBAF has awarded $89,000 in scholarships since it was established in 1997.

The 2009 recipients are:

Brian Hugh Burks, a 1996 graduate of Northside High School, 2000 graduate of the University of Richmond, and a student at the University of Richmond School of Law.

Aaron Bruce Cook, a 2001 graduate of Salem High School, 2007 graduate of Roanoke College, and a student at Washington & Lee University School of Law.

Kathryn Audrey Lawryszek, a graduating senior at Cave Spring High School.

Lila E. Nieves-Lee, a graduating senior at Roanoke Catholic School.

Meredith Louise Tenison, a 2002 graduate of Cave Spring High School, 2006 graduate of Duke University, and a student at Harvard Law School.

Roanoke County Public Schools hold retiree dinner

On May 13, the Roanoke County Public School System hosted a Retiree Dinner for all the 2009 retirees.

Here is each name, school, position and years of service in Roanoke County Public Schools for those retiring from Southwest County schools:

Arlene M. Billett, Cave Spring Elementary, Kindergarten, 24

Barbara B. Sharrer, HVMS, Special Education, 33

Belinda T. Lucas, Oak Grove Elementary, IA, 31

Bonnie A. Millard, Penn Forest Elementary, Grade 1, 35

Cecilia S. Alami, HVMS, French/Spanish, 17

Claudia E. Bell, CSMS, Special Education, 12

Dana S. DeWitt, Penn Forest Elementary, Kindergarten, 20

Deborah Marchenko, Penn Forest Elementary, Special Education, 34

Donna K. Speidel, Oak Grove Elementary, Grade 4, 35

Donna L. Caldwell, Green Valley Elementary, IA, 28

Doris J. Artusio, Green Valley Elementary, IA, 11

Jayne B. Perala, Cave Spring Elementary, Grade 1, 35

Judith R. Dickerson, CSHS, Spanish, 38

Lazzelle W. Parker, CSMS, Art, 26

L. Thad James, Jr., Cave Spring Elementary, Principal, 42

Mary Anne Perrin, Cave Spring Elementary, Language Arts, 28

Mary E. Ratchford, CSMS, Special Education, 31

Mary K. Carr, Cave Spring Elementary, Grade 1, 36

Mary K. Vagts, CSHS, English, 34

Sarah Burnett, CSMS, Special Education, 16

Susan L. Wire, CSMS, Science, 20

Susan S. Marchi, Cave Spring Elementary, Assistant Principal, 13

For a full list and more photos, visit The Notebook on swo-co.com