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Michaleh King, a junior at Roanoke County's William Byrd High School, is trying to make a difference one penny at a time.

The 16-year-old brought Olive Garden's "Pasta for Pennies" fundraiser to her school this winter. Her goal is to raise $1,200 for the campaign that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

As a toddler, Michaleh was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. Now a teenager, she aspires to work in pediatric hematology oncology. She's been cancer-free for 12 years.

"It feels really good giving back to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society," Michaleh said. "I know they did a lot for me when I was getting my treatment."

Collection jars are placed in each classroom and the class that raises the most money wins a pasta party from Olive Garden, according to the restaurant's website.

Michaleh pointed out she is not just collecting change. Paper money and checks come in too.

"Any amount counts, even a penny," she noted.

Michaleh said she learned about the campaign from the school where her mother teaches, East Salem Elementary School.

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Hidden Valley Middle School made a national watch list of outstanding schools again this year. The Roanoke County middle school is on the "Schools To Watch" list, which is sponsored by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, according to a superintendent's memo from the Virginia Department of Education.

Nine Virginia schools made the list of more than 350 nationwide. Schools are selected based on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structure.

Principal Ken Nicely said he is honored by the recognition.

"This is not something we take for granted," he wrote in an email. "Being a School to Watch does not mean we are perfect or have reached all of our goals. It does mean that our students, staff and community are working hard on the right things; we are on the right path and will continue to work diligently on behalf of the students of Roanoke County."

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Roanoke County and Rockbridge County public schools are among the eight school divisions in Virginia recognized by the College Board for increasing access to Advanced Placement courses while simultaneously raising exam scores, according to a news release from the state Department of Education.

Virginia students have ranked third in the nation on the AP exam achievement since 2007.

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Syndicated columnist John Rosemond is scheduled to speak at Faith Christian School in southwest Roanoke County next week.

"Parenting with Love and Leadership" will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child" is slated for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Call 796-5200 for information.