Roanoke Catholic School makes honor roll

For the third consecutive year, Roanoke Catholic School has been named to the Catholic High School Honor Roll, a list of the nation's best 50 Catholic secondary schools. Roanoke Catholic was the only school in the state to receive the honor and is among 12 schools that have earned the recognition three times.

Almost 300 Catholic high school voluntarily responded to surveys that measure academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education in order to qualify for the list. The overall score is an average of the scores on the three surveys. Roanoke Catholic was ranked in the top 20 schools for academics.

Car dealership donates car to tech center

The Arnold R. Burton Technology Center has received a 2005 Chrysler 300 from Dominion Dodge of Salem. The center's automotive technology program received keys to the vehicle during a special presentation Sept. 28.

Instructor Joe Moore will use the car to teach students how to troubleshoot various automotive problems. His students will also study the wiring systems on the new vehicle and gain other valuable skills.

Penn Forest Elementary hosts shopping expo

Penn Forest Elementary School will hold its second annual Holiday Shopping Expo and Vendor Fair at the school from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28, rain or shine. The event will feature annual door prizes, children's craft tables, Chik-fil-A, Domino's pizza, Mill Mountain Zoo animals and unique vendors. Vendor booths are available.

The school is at 6328 Merriman Road. For more information, call 725-7620.

Franklin Co. Venture Crew dubbed 'quality unit'

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council of the Boy Scouts of America has named the Franklin County High School Air Force JROTC Venture Crew a "Quality Unit" for 2006. The award recognizes the implementation of a leadership and youth development program embracing aspects of the Scouting program for young men and women.

The Franklin County High crew also was chosen as the Venture Crew of the Year for 2006. Crew adviser Maj. Paul Willard was awarded the Venture Leadership Award for 2006.

Air Force JROTC is an elective offered at Franklin County High School. Venturing is a program of Boy Scouts of America for male and female youth.