■ Ashbrook High School student Maggie Jo Hess was chosen to represent the school in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest.  Ayana Adams, a student in the health science program, was hired to work in Dr. Claude Luvis’ office.

■ A group of Ashbrook students who are involved in the Cancer Services of Gaston County organization participated in the Belmont Christmas Parade.  Students in the Civinettes leadership program helped Sherwood Elementary teachers and PTO members conduct holiday activities, decorate bulletin boards and wrap angel tree presents.

■ The Ashbrook band performed a winter concert on December 13.  The tenth grade English classes enjoyed a program on December 19 that featured Holocaust survivor Suly Chenkin. 

■ The Ashbrook wrestling team sponsored a tournament in honor of school counselor and athletic trainer Larry Carpenter.  Proceeds from the tournament benefited a cancer services organization.  Students involved in the Invisible Children’s Club organized a student-faculty volleyball game and collected 2,200 food items for the Salvation Army.

■ The Ashbrook Future Teachers of America (FTA) club conducted a candy sale and raised $300 to provide gifts for children who are less fortunate.  The school also sponsored an angel tree and provided gifts for needy students.

■ Costner Elementary fourth grader Alyssa Bloomer received a $1,000 scholarship from the Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture.  The award was presented during a school assembly program on January 9 and recognizes Bloomer for her green-thumb efforts to grow a 25-pound cabbage plant.

■ The Lingerfeldt Elementary student council sponsored the Kans for Kids food drive and collected 874 items for more than 30 families.  Kim Daniel’s fifth grade class contributed the most items.  Leah Faile’s, Theresa McManus’, and Michelle Ellis’ classes each collected more than 100 items.

■ The Brookside Elementary Students of Service club sponsored the Kans for Kids food drive and collected 1,089 items for the Salvation Army.  Students Donqavius Chambers, Ben Anderson, Alexis Lancaster, Sydney Armstrong, Jordan Jackson, Ethan Yao, Frank Lopez, Dana Freeman, Brittany Smith, Taquavis Ruff-Goodlet, Garrett Ellis, Jessie Black, Georgie Bentz, Aliyah Kelley, Hannah Gibson, Lauryn McKinnon, Matthew Hudson and teachers Pam Grindstaff and Emily Thornburg coordinated the project.

■ W.A. Bess Elementary sponsored a food drive and collected 1,686 items for the Salvation Army.  Amy Tippett’s fifth grade class, Alisha Cann’s kindergarten class, and Angie Sellers’ first grade class contributed the most items.  School counselor Renea Walker organized the project.

■ The Bessemer City Primary December/January Good Citizens are Sun’Nasia Brown, Destiny Haney, Samantha Duncan, Isaiah Eskridge, Lissette Reyes, Kaitlyn Graham, Carleigh Clark, Odalys Garcia, Jennifer Burgess, Mckenzie Bowker, Dalton Davis, Heidi Reyes, T’Marrion Brown, Carolyne Hunter, Mackenzie Coulter, Areona Butler, Ashton Helms and Hannah Clark.  The Principal Pride award winners are Kensleigh Graham, Juan Jimenez, Thomas Ledford, McKenzie Gates, Janaly Marte, Madalyn Monaco, Mason Wells, Jacob Hill, Ashlee Brooks, Anthony Whitley, Elijah Spake, Savanna Lowery, Takiya Glenn, Emily Fowler, Jason Cavendar, Parker Wilson, Jeremiah Goodson and Carter Owensby.

■ Highland School of Technology student Maia Black received scholarships from Brevard College, Mars Hill College, Greensboro College and Montreat College.

■ Highland students in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club collected toiletries and conducted a holiday program for residents at Holy Angels.  The students are planning a Valentine’s Day program for residents of Rosewood Rest Home.

Compiled by the Gaston County Schools Communications Department

E-mail your school’s GOOD NEWS to Bonnie Reidy, Chief Communications Officer: breidy@gaston.k12.nc.us