Monday, May 3, 2010

“A Supreme Court without Protestants?” plus 2 more

“A Supreme Court without Protestants?” plus 2 more

A Supreme Court without Protestants?

Posted: 03 May 2010 02:20 AM PDT

(CNN) -- For most of American history, a Supreme Court with no Protestant Christian judges would have been unthinkable. Nearly three quarters of all justices who've ever served on the nation's high court have been Protestant. And roughly half of all Americans identify themselves as Protestant today.

But since John Paul Stevens announced his retirement last month, legal and religious scholars have begun entertaining the unprecedented prospect of a Supreme Court without a single Protestant justice.

Besides Stevens, who is Protestant, the current Supreme Court counts six Catholics and two Jews.

"It's an amazing irony given how central Protestantism has been to American culture," said Stephen Prothero, a religion scholar at Boston University. "For most of the 19th century, Protestants were trying to turn America into their own heaven on Earth, which included keeping Jews and Catholics from virtually all positions of power."

Many religion scholars attribute the decline of Protestants on the high court to the breakdown of a mainline Protestant identity and to the absence of a strong tradition of lawyering among evangelical Protestants.

"Mainline Protestantism isn't a pressure group," said Prothero, "It's not like the National Council of Churches is lobbying Obama to get a Lutheran appointed to the Supreme Court."

And while Judaism and Catholicism have their own sets of religious laws that date back millennia, many branches of Protestant Christianity do not. For much of the last 150 years, evangelical Christianity has stressed an emotional theology of "heart" over "head" -- not a recipe for producing legal scholars with eyes fixed on the Supreme Court.

"Evangelicals have put more effort into getting elected than in getting onto the bench," said Michael Lindsay, a Rice University professor who has studied evangelical elites. "Electoral politics is more similar to the style of rallying of around revival campaign than it is to the arduous journey of producing intellectual giants that could be eligible for the Supreme Court."

President Obama is expected to nominate Stevens' replacement early this month. Of the three candidates who are reported to lead Obama's short list, two -- Solicitor General Elena Kagan and federal appeals judge Merrick Garland -- are Jewish, while one, federal appeals judge Diane Wood, is a Protestant.

Obama's first Supreme Court appointee, Sonia Sotomayor, is Catholic.

One explanation of Catholics' and Jews' high court hegemony is that members of both traditions have long pursued legal degrees as a way to assimilate into a majority Protestant country.

"Most American Catholic law schools were not formed to be elite institutions of lofty legal scholarship, but as way to respond to the fact that other law schools were excluding Catholics," said Richard Garnett, a professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School. "It was a vehicle to get Catholics into the middle class."

"Early on, those schools admitted a lot of Jewish students who were being discriminated against," Garnett said.

Today, Catholic law schools at Georgetown University, Fordham University, and Notre Dame are considered among the best in the country.

Evangelical Protestant colleges, meanwhile -- including Regent University and Liberty University, founded by Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, respectively -- have opened law schools only since the 1980s.

And law schools with Protestant roots -- like Harvard and Yale -- shed their religious identities a long time ago, part of the broader fading of a distinct mainline Protestant identity in the U.S..

Some legal and religious scholars say the dearth of qualified evangelical candidates for the Supreme Court came into sharp relief in 2005, when President George W. Bush nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers to the high court.

An evangelical Christian who the White House promoted strenuously among evangelicals, Miers' nomination was brought down largely by conservatives -- nonevangelicals, mostly -- who said she was not qualified for the position.

In the last couple of decades, however, more evangelicals have begun pursuing legal degrees, including at elite colleges. "There are now vibrant Christian fellowships at Harvard and Yale," said Lindsay. "Ten years from now, it will be entirely possible to see an evangelical Protestant on the Supreme Court."

Rachel Heflin, a senior at Patrick Henry College -- a Virginia school whose students are mostly evangelicals from homeschooling backgrounds -- said many of her friends are heading to law school next year.

"When your circle of friends is comprised of aspiring lawyers, the joke is about who's going to make it to the high court first," said Heflin, an evangelical Christian who will be attending George Washington University Law School on scholarship.

Which means that a Protestant Supreme Court resurgence may not be too far off.

Five Filters featured article: The Art of Looking Prime Ministerial - The 2010 UK General Election. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

St. Lucie County School Zone, updated May 3

Posted: 03 May 2010 08:51 AM PDT

St. Anastasia Catholic School eighth-graders assisted the school at the Night for the Children Auction and Dinner Dance on April 24. Back row, from left: Vincent Mejia, Michael McPherson, Zara McQuaid and Audrey Edmondson. Front row, from left: Alyssa Janezic, Emily Stapleton and Kierstin Rondeau.

St. Anastasia Catholic School eighth-graders assisted the school at the Night for the Children Auction and Dinner Dance on April 24. Back row, from left: Vincent Mejia, Michael McPherson, Zara McQuaid and Audrey Edmondson. Front row, from left: Alyssa Janezic, Emily Stapleton and Kierstin Rondeau.

To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, Palm Pointe third-grade students Naomi Oquendo, left, and Allyson Eno from Mrs. Boyer's class, decorated their classroom door to recognize students with autism and other differences.

To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, Palm Pointe third-grade students Naomi Oquendo, left, and Allyson Eno from Mrs. Boyer's class, decorated their classroom door to recognize students with autism and other differences.

Samuel Gaines Academy fifth-grade students enjoyed the Indian River Lagoon boat trip for their field trips. Nicole Thomas, Stephanie Hernandez and Julissa Roman-Gonzalez from Mrs. Kendall's class saw a group of five dolphins and learned why mullet jump out of the water: they swim in sea grass, so they jump to clean out their gills to breath.

Samuel Gaines Academy fifth-grade students enjoyed the Indian River Lagoon boat trip for their field trips. Nicole Thomas, Stephanie Hernandez and Julissa Roman-Gonzalez from Mrs. Kendall's class saw a group of five dolphins and learned why mullet jump out of the water: they swim in sea grass, so they jump to clean out their gills to breath.

Ms. Kenefick, a kindergarten teacher, as well as many other students, participated in a walk-a-thon at Palm Pointe on April 16. Money collected goes to Relay for Life, which helps with cancer research.

Ms. Kenefick, a kindergarten teacher, as well as many other students, participated in a walk-a-thon at Palm Pointe on April 16. Money collected goes to Relay for Life, which helps with cancer research.

Imagine Schools Nau Charter students enjoy a pizza party and chocolate fountain as reward for placing in the Imagine Schools character education essay contest. Sixteen students were honored.

Imagine Schools Nau Charter students enjoy a pizza party and chocolate fountain as reward for placing in the Imagine Schools character education essay contest. Sixteen students were honored.

Kathy Ferguson, media clerk at Palm Pointe, helps fourth-grader Jasmine Mitchem select a book from the book fair.

Kathy Ferguson, media clerk at Palm Pointe, helps fourth-grader Jasmine Mitchem select a book from the book fair.

Mrs. Campbell, Oak Hammock sixth-grade science teacher, was selected by the St. Lucie County Extension Office to be a participant in its garden program because of her efforts to create and maintain a school garden at Oak Hammock.

Photo provided

Mrs. Campbell, Oak Hammock sixth-grade science teacher, was selected by the St. Lucie County Extension Office to be a participant in its garden program because of her efforts to create and maintain a school garden at Oak Hammock.

PTO members at Frances K. Sweet Magnet School hosted the annual Family Fun Night on April 16. Bounce houses, a climbing wall, a giant slide, music, dancing and face-painting were a few of the activities to choose from, as well as a dunk tank, where several staff members braved the cold water. Students Cassie Grace, Olivia Sperber, Ian Mullins, and sliding, Brian Wu, have fun.

Photo provided

PTO members at Frances K. Sweet Magnet School hosted the annual Family Fun Night on April 16. Bounce houses, a climbing wall, a giant slide, music, dancing and face-painting were a few of the activities to choose from, as well as a dunk tank, where several staff members braved the cold water. Students Cassie Grace, Olivia Sperber, Ian Mullins, and sliding, Brian Wu, have fun.

Students from Ms. Miller's first-grade class at Palm Pointe learn about friction. The students tested their toy cars and learned that if there is sand or a bumpy surface, the car doesn't go as far as on tile. Friction slows cars down because the wheels can't turn easily.

Students from Ms. Miller's first-grade class at Palm Pointe learn about friction. The students tested their toy cars and learned that if there is sand or a bumpy surface, the car doesn't go as far as on tile. Friction slows cars down because the wheels can't turn easily.

Gaines Academy students from Mr. Baconís technology class, Anthony Decillis, Christopher Chastain, Jesse Sheats and Taylor Conaway, work on the go-cart that will compete at the FPL XE3 Student Kart Alternative Fuel Races on May 21-22 at the Treasure Coast Research Park on South Rock Road. The competition has several constraints that the groups have to adhere to in order to qualify for race day.

Photo provided

Gaines Academy students from Mr. Baconís technology class, Anthony Decillis, Christopher Chastain, Jesse Sheats and Taylor Conaway, work on the go-cart that will compete at the FPL XE3 Student Kart Alternative Fuel Races on May 21-22 at the Treasure Coast Research Park on South Rock Road. The competition has several constraints that the groups have to adhere to in order to qualify for race day.

Teachers and staff members at Lawnwood Elementary join students who earned enough loot to participate in the Positive Behavior Support sponsored kickball event. Fifth-grade students cheer on classmate Tyler Myers as he kicks the ball, while fourth-grade students play the field during the game.

Teachers and staff members at Lawnwood Elementary join students who earned enough loot to participate in the Positive Behavior Support sponsored kickball event. Fifth-grade students cheer on classmate Tyler Myers as he kicks the ball, while fourth-grade students play the field during the game.

Lawnwood Elementary congratulates this year's Young Author top story writers, pictured with Mrs. Kirstie Lickliter, literacy coach, Diana Balderas, fifth-grade student, Shawn Yanes, first-grade student, Jordan Sandford, first-grade student, and Maggie MacKenzie, first-grade student.

Lawnwood Elementary congratulates this year's Young Author top story writers, pictured with Mrs. Kirstie Lickliter, literacy coach, Diana Balderas, fifth-grade student, Shawn Yanes, first-grade student, Jordan Sandford, first-grade student, and Maggie MacKenzie, first-grade student.

Morningside Elementary gifted students show off their newly created memory book during their enrichment wheel time.

Morningside Elementary gifted students show off their newly created memory book during their enrichment wheel time.

First-graders in Mrs. Ferriero's class at Manatee Academy were treated to a presentation by the St. Lucie Mets on exercise and following a healthy diet. Students got the opportunity to compete against the players in various activities and share great ideas for staying fit.

Photo provided

First-graders in Mrs. Ferriero's class at Manatee Academy were treated to a presentation by the St. Lucie Mets on exercise and following a healthy diet. Students got the opportunity to compete against the players in various activities and share great ideas for staying fit.

Families, friends and students packed the halls at Lakewood Park Elementary during its annual multicultural festival. Everyone enjoyed the decorations, trinkets, and good food from Italy, Ireland, Fiji, Canada, Australia, Mexico and theUnited States.

Families, friends and students packed the halls at Lakewood Park Elementary during its annual multicultural festival. Everyone enjoyed the decorations, trinkets, and good food from Italy, Ireland, Fiji, Canada, Australia, Mexico and theUnited States.

Kiana Hamilton, an eighth-grader at Manatee Academy, conducts an experiment on polymer chemistry in Mr. Maller's science class. The experiment involved making slime.

Kiana Hamilton, an eighth-grader at Manatee Academy, conducts an experiment on polymer chemistry in Mr. Maller's science class. The experiment involved making slime.

Fourth-grade students at Oak Hammock K-8 participated in the 4-H public speaking program sponsored by Tropicana. Students spent two weeks planning, writing and practicing speeches. On April 22, six finalists were chosen from each fourth-grade classroom. On April 23, the six finalists competed to be the school's first-place winner. The winners were: first place: Madison Lamborghini, middle, (Mrs. Heit's Class); second place, Tyler Hogan, right, (Ms. Murphy's Class); and third place, Taylor Cotton, left, (Mrs. Nolan's Class). The other three finalists were Gabriella Auciello, Vanessa Lemanski and Addis Defazio.

Photo provided

Fourth-grade students at Oak Hammock K-8 participated in the 4-H public speaking program sponsored by Tropicana. Students spent two weeks planning, writing and practicing speeches. On April 22, six finalists were chosen from each fourth-grade classroom. On April 23, the six finalists competed to be the school's first-place winner. The winners were: first place: Madison Lamborghini, middle, (Mrs. Heit's Class); second place, Tyler Hogan, right, (Ms. Murphy's Class); and third place, Taylor Cotton, left, (Mrs. Nolan's Class). The other three finalists were Gabriella Auciello, Vanessa Lemanski and Addis Defazio.

Oak Hammock K-8 kindergartners in Ms. West's class are getting ready for first grade. Dallas Weiland, Chanelle Clarke, Jace Ochacher, Adrieanna Guantes and Felipe Aries visited Mrs. Levin's first-grade class to read a story they had written.

Photos provided

Oak Hammock K-8 kindergartners in Ms. West's class are getting ready for first grade. Dallas Weiland, Chanelle Clarke, Jace Ochacher, Adrieanna Guantes and Felipe Aries visited Mrs. Levin's first-grade class to read a story they had written.

Sun Grove Montessori students display their bounty after a day of learning about good and bad insects at Dekker Family Farms. The trip was a celebration for transitioning preschoolers from the classes of Margot Lee and Wendy Conte.

Sun Grove Montessori students display their bounty after a day of learning about good and bad insects at Dekker Family Farms. The trip was a celebration for transitioning preschoolers from the classes of Margot Lee and Wendy Conte.

From left, fifth-graders Lyzberthe Chery, Taylor Pitoniak and Isabel Flores are the top three winners for the yearbook cover contest at Windmill Point Elementary. Flores took third place, Chery took second place and Pitoniak was our first-place winner, whose picture will be on the cover of the 2009/2010 Windmill Point yearbook.

From left, fifth-graders Lyzberthe Chery, Taylor Pitoniak and Isabel Flores are the top three winners for the yearbook cover contest at Windmill Point Elementary. Flores took third place, Chery took second place and Pitoniak was our first-place winner, whose picture will be on the cover of the 2009/2010 Windmill Point yearbook.

Northport K-8 students in Jill Stagg's fourth-grade class showcase their Young Author books in the media center. All students in K-8 authored a book and displayed the book in the library using the theme

Northport K-8 students in Jill Stagg's fourth-grade class showcase their Young Author books in the media center. All students in K-8 authored a book and displayed the book in the library using the theme "A Walk Across America."

Congratulations to the John Carroll High School 2010 Young Floridian winners, Dean Helseth (art) and Sarah Guettler (mathematics).

Congratulations to the John Carroll High School 2010 Young Floridian winners, Dean Helseth (art) and Sarah Guettler (mathematics).

More than 50 students were treated to a voting celebration as a culminating activity for the Sunshine State Young Readers Club at Forest Grove Middle. Media specialist Mrs. Donahue provided rewards for the top three Sunshine State Young Readers, Nikki Goff, left, Samantha Taylor and Kylie Arbelo.

More than 50 students were treated to a voting celebration as a culminating activity for the Sunshine State Young Readers Club at Forest Grove Middle. Media specialist Mrs. Donahue provided rewards for the top three Sunshine State Young Readers, Nikki Goff, left, Samantha Taylor and Kylie Arbelo.

FAIRLAWN ELEMENTARY

Field day for third grade will be May 3 and kindergarten will make up their field day on May 4. The student council will meet May 5 at 7:45 a.m. in Mrs. Singley's room. The PTO meetings will be at 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 6. Nominations for next year will take place. It is also the last Papa John's Pizza night! Also on May 6, the fifth-graders will do their last PTO performance. They should be in the music room no later than 6:45. On May 7, the third-graders will go to Wannado City. They will leave at 8:30 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. in time for the talent show! The Fairlawn Talent Show begins at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Come see our finest! The district science EXPO is at the Havert L. Fenn Center on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FLORESTA ELEMENTARY

Happy May Floresta Dolphins! May 4 is Family Night at Big Apple Pizza on Bayshore and St. Lucie West Boulevard. Also, Family Fun Night will be hosted on May 7 from 6-8 p.m. We will have many great stations set up around the school for parents and students to foster their love for literacy. Various distinguished guest readers will be on hand to share their favorite stories with our Floresta families. We would like to thank the Floresta Relay for Life team and the many Floresta families who supported such a worthy cause. They participated in the Port St. Lucie Relay for Life event Friday and Saturday last week. All money raised went to the American Cancer Society. We will celebrate teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation Week for the week of May 3. Tell your teacher how much you appreciate what they do for you!

FORT PIERCE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

The Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts Choral Department, under the direction of Mr. Elker L. Harris, presented its annual choral showcase April 22. This musical event took place in the school's historical auditorium, 1100 Delaware Ave. Students in grades K-8 performed musical styles, ranging from classical to gospel. The audience enjoyed themselves as the children showcased the talents of St. Lucie's brightest and best. Watch the next shows in the month of May. On May 5, steel drums and the Arts Department; May 20, dance. Join our Student Advisory Council meeting to find out what to expect from our school next year and to see our accomplishments. Our annual tribute to moms will be May 6 at 10 a.m. Please join our school in celebrating how fabulous our Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts moms are.

LAKEWOOD PARK ELEMENTARY

Teacher Appreciation is May 3-7. We would like to thank our wonderful and gifted teachers at Lakewood Park Elementary for all they do. Notices were sent home with hints that parents and students can do to show their appreciation during the week. Congratulations to our April Students of the Month who were chosen based on the character pillar trustworthiness: Antoine Williams, Joshua Stone, William Curran, Kenneth Brege, Ethan De Leon, Samira Stanley, Jose Ruiz-Macias, Montahina Akther, Mudathir Musa, Claudio Jimenez, Calysta Bonnewell, Gabrielle Freeman, Aaliyah Greene, Noviyon Johnson, Elvira Carranza, Deneil Mohammed, Diamond Lamarre, Angelica Ferreira, Nayely Doval, Lucas Mead, Marissa Rico, Arizona Cope, Artavious Williams, Joel Montoya, Marcia Holland, Paulina Garcia, Ilene Fernandez, Sophia Galarza, Jonecia Sirmons, Delisha Mohammed, Dante Gauthier, Ricardo Zuniga, Faith Meadows, Bryan Jean-Baptiste, Michael Cook, Daniela Recinos, and Melissa Salazar. May 6 is spring picture day; May 7 is Publix/PTO Mothers Day cake decorating.

LAWNWOOD ELEMENTARY

Positive Behavior Support word of the week is responsible. Students earning Lawnwood Loot were able to spend it this week on a variety of outdoor events. Kindergarteners and second-graders went to the creative playground, first-graders chose to play with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hula-hoops and jump ropes, while third-graders chose to be creative making bookmarks. Fourth- and fifth-graders played a game of kickball along with staff members. The spring book fair is coming! During the week of May 4-13, students can purchase their favorite books. Field days will be held on May 6 for kindergarten, first, and second grades and on May 7 for third, fourth and fifth grades. Additionally, students will Jump Rope for Heart during their field day activities. May's Family Night will feature a musical performance by fourth grade on May 13.

MARIPOSA ELEMENTARY

Mariposa Elementary has planned lots of great educational events. Second-graders will be starting their annual pirate unit for the fourth nine weeks. It will include economics and geography. A treasure hunt, bracelet sales, postcards, and map making are just some of the exciting learning activities! Mariposa Elementary recently held its fifth Family Literacy Night. Huntington Learning Center's Mr. Perry shared some homework tips and reading comprehension strategies with our families. The Magic Tree House, Roahl Dahl's books, and many more were donated by Toyota of Stuart. Everyone received at least one book to call their own. Reading is cool at Mariposa! First-graders will be learning all about plants. Students will plant seeds and watch the daily progress. They are also planning a field trip to the Palm Beach Zoo. Congratulations to all students at Mariposa for the wonderful effort throughout testing. We are so proud of you!

MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY

Morningside Elementary third-, fouth-, and fifth-grade gifted classes are working on their third enrichment wheel for the year. Students are learning different aspects of art, creating a still life or a sketch journal, taking memorable pictures and creating a scrapbook, and exploring medical science with a hands on forum. Discovery day was a huge success this year. Thank you to the committee for organizing the event. Also thank you to all of the volunteers who came out and gave a helping hand. Mrs. Jackson's fourth-grade class visited Mrs. Constantine's kindergarten class and took their favorite books to read to their little reading buddies.

PARKWAY ELEMENTARY

Congratulations Honor Roll students: Anna Swanson, Anthony Nava, Madeline Hernandez, Charlie Troung, Dylan Pfieffer, Seth Cavenar, Belinda Ortega, Cari Rozman, Jazmine Hanna, Jourdan Decesare, Amanda Wohfiel, Rachel Calderon, Yuriana Escalera, Bianca Hampton, Isaiah Joseph, Muyang Liu, Julianna Singletary, Veronica Berthier, Trevor Lucier, Isabel Garcia, Julie Ross, Destiny Rivera, Brianna Ferguson, Christopher Morency, Brittney Ferguson, Maxwell Crookston, Mackenzie Garwood, Nadia Lowe, Toniseya Pettway, Jessica Rodriguez, Joshua Suhanov, Sophia Kim, Frantz Forestal, Joshua Martinek, Madeline Chabab, Yesenia Corona, Skye Jackson, Maria Dominguez, Samuel Duque, Isleym Flores, Dominic Hernandez, Jordan Smith, Arabella Tenneson, Karen Hentley, Saquoy Thomas, Adleene Alvarado, Juan Castillo, Brittany Colon, Andrew Fenn, Jason Joseph, Pablo OCampo, Aundrea Velez, Solandnia Walter, Renee Shirley, Nickiera Williams, William Fink, Samantha Siwiec, Chris Bellot, Nicholas Joseph, Samuel McKay, Jocelyn Mojica, Joshua Bissoon, Jake Brown, Katelyn Juillet, Destiny Quiles, Elijah VanDenHam, Alexandria Witt, Elaine Tan, Taylor Dean, Adam Rozman, Alejandra Miranda, Kim Estima, Katherine Hills, Yailisse Canizares, Tyler Coggins, Seanna Nowacki, and Kuebrina Pierre-Louis.

RIVERS EDGE ELEMENTARY

Thank you to all the Rivers Edge families for supporting our Relay for Life team. Everyone had a great time at the event. Field days will be held on May 3 for kindergarten and grade 1, May 4 for second and third grade, and May 5 for fourth and fifth grade. The students enjoy all the activities that are planned by Coach Barnes and Coach Ray. Mark the date, May 6 at 6:30 p.m., the kindergarten students will perform We Like School for the PTO program in the cafeteria.

VILLAGE GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOOL

Village Green Environmental Studies School thanks the members of the community who came out to our school April 29 to read to our children. Fifth-grade students read several novels such as "Hatchet," "Holes" and "Hoot" in literacy circles. They then competed in a Knowing the Novel contest. The children created their ownT-shirts to represent the book they read. The day that students look so forward to is about to come. Field days: May 5, third grade; May 6, fourth grade; May 7, fifth grade. Kindergarten, first- and second-grade field days will be announced in next week's School Digest. The Mother/Son Social is May 7. Moms, you won't want to miss this memorable event! The county's Science Expo is May 8. Science projects from Village Green Environmental Studies School will be on display. Third grade is going to the planetarium May 12.

WEATHERBEE ELEMENTARY

Weatherbee first-graders are very busy. We are working on our science projects and studying about force and motion. Our mathematic curriculum will be focused on addition and subtraction of large numbers. During the next several weeks the children will be working diligently on their Young Authors books. The writing competition will be held next month. Good luck to everyone! All of Weatherbee's Mariners will be participating in the annual PTO/Positive Behavior Support yard sale on May 8 at the school. Weatherbee families, friends and community members may rent a space for $10 to sell their treasures. All rental proceeds will go to benefit Weatherbee's PTO and Positive Behavior Support teams in order to provide incentives for students. Hope to see everyone there!

WHITE CITY ELEMENTARY

First-graders at White City Elementary were SAT-10 ready! All year long students worked diligently at becoming avid readers and minds on mathematicians. We know our students did their best due to this effort! Go first-grade Wildcats! Congratulations to Wildcats of the Month: Edder in Mrs. Kohler's class, Oscar in Ms. Tony-Saunder's class, Arneisha S. in Mrs. Myers' class, Lila in Ms. Farajian's class, and Jasmin in Mr. Strivelli's class. You roar! During the week of April 20 White City Elementary fifth-graders went on field trips with kindergarten and first-grade classes. The buddy trip was to the Hobe Sound Nature Center where students went seining in the Indian River Lagoon. Many interesting creatures were discovered and a great time was had by all. Don't forget to join us at the White City Elementary family fun carnival on May 8 from 12-3 p.m. All proceeds benefit students of White City Elementary!

WINDMILL POINT ELEMENTARY

Windmill Point Elementary is pleased to announce that May 13 is Leadership Day! The students and staff invite you to visit and learn more about our leadership pride schoolwide program. This event is from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Some of the activities planned for the day include: student and teacher speakers, classroom visits, musical performance, overview of student data notebooks and student led conferences, parent and community speakers, and an open forum with Windmill Point teachers. Space is limited for this event to 50 visitors, so please RSVP to Mrs. Angela Hale at 772-336-6950 in a timely manner. The PTO is sponsoring a Drum Club performance on May 3 at 6:30 p.m.; this is also the PTO officer nominating meeting. Progress reports will be sent on May 5. The last SuperPlay USA Night for this school year is scheduled for May 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

BARNABAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

It was a great time at the Florida Christian Activities Competition in Fort Myers! Barnabas Christian Academy students brought home a total of 18 medals: eight first places, seven second places, and three third places. Congratulations to all who participated! This past week saw the students again working hard during the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. All students from elementary, middle, high, and our homeschooling division spent three days on the standardized tests. It's hard to believe, but we are approaching our last month of school! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! An immeasurable thank you goes out to all of our amazing teachers here at Barnabas Christian Academy: Miss Birchard, Miss Armstrong, Mrs. Herchenroder, Mrs. Buchanan, Mrs. Lookabill, Mr. Wyler, Miss Bartal, Miss Buchanan, Miss Craig, Mr. Bartal, Ms. Pair, and Mrs. Bartal! We appreciate all of our faculty and staff! Blessings!

FAITH BAPTIST

We would to take this time to congratulate all our winners in the FCAA Fine Arts Competition in Fort Myers. First-place winners: Olivia Hoyos, Daniel Muniz, Kaitie Britton, Molly Nitchman, Megan Shea, Brian McGlenn, and Jeannell Williams. Second-place winners: Kaitie Britton, Daniel Muniz, Jennifer Loving, Molly Nitchman, Taylor Devaney, Emily Wolf, Michael Schneider, Brian McGlenn, Danielle Reed, Taylor Devaney, and Tim Loving. Third-place winners: Majesty Trio: Jennifer Loving, Melissa Valdez and Emily Wolf; Josh Nicholas, Jeannell Williams, Daniel Muniz, Becky Quimby, Bradley Schorner, Brian McGlenn, Bible Quiz Team: Molly Nitchman, Taylor Devaney, and Josh Nicholas; Megan Shea, and James Green. You all did an excellent job of representing Faith Baptist School. Thank you. Remember May 7 for our Spring Extravaganza. Tickets are now on sale: $4 for adults, $3 for students (K-4 through 12th). Under 4 is free. We will run our school Jogathon on May 7.

SAMUEL S. GAINES ACADEMY

May 5, Honor Roll assembly for grades 3-8. May 6, Student Advisory Council meeting at 6 p.m. There will be a Positive Behavior Support event for grades K-5 on May 7. Kindergarten and grade one will be doing relay races, and grades 2-5 will play a single-elimination kickball tournament. The cost of the event will be 20 Colt cash to play and 10 Colt cash to watch. The eighth-grade grad-venture field trip is May 7. The new date for the band concert is May 17 at 7 p.m. at Fort Pierce Central High. Yearbooks are on sale for $20 in the media rooms. They will be delivered in May, so reserve yours now. May 21, Samuel Gaines "Academy On Broadway ... A Musical Showcase" will begin at 6:45 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $5. No tickets will be sold at the door.

LIBERTY BAPTIST ACADEMY

Congratulations to the following first-place winners at the FCAA competition in Fort Myers: Kara Piero, dramatic recitation; Hannah Groff, high school history testing; Tyler Crouch, high school spelling bee; Chrystal VanDeventer, high school English testing; Jared Deremer, arrangement of objects in photography; Celeste Collado, junior high history testing; and Robyn Marshall, junior high spelling bee and math testing. Great job to all of the students who participated. Midterm updates and extra credit for the last quarter went home April 30. The sports banquet will be May 13 at 7 p.m. Football, volleyball, and basketball players will enjoy a meal and be recognized for their athletic abilities. Let us entertain you! On May 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., the Liberty Baptist Academy Drama Team will present a hilarious comedy, The Happiest Millionaire. Tickets are $4 for adults, and children 7 and under are free.

PEACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

We are looking forward to our Teacher Appreciation celebrations this week. This special time honors all of our staff, each of whom gives above and beyond any expectation, to each student, and to each other. Our staff is amazing. God has brought each one of them into the life of the Academy for His glorious purposes and we appreciate them and their willingness to serve the children that He has sent to Peace Christian Academy. On Monday through Thursday mornings, Mrs. Loffredo and her team will prepare breakfast for the staff. If times past are any indicator, breakfast will be a nutritious and delicious treat. Our celebrations will end on Thursday, with a luncheon for all of our staff. Our fifth grade is the means of blessing for our staff on that day. They will be helping to prepare and serve lunch.

ST. ANASTASIA CATHOLIC

St. Anastasia Catholic School wishes to thank all the sponsors, donors, advertisers, guests and volunteers who made the eighth annual Night for the Children Auction a huge success! Congratulations to Dave and Donna Vercillo for winning the $5,000 raffle. Congratulations to the second-graders who received their first Holy Communion today at St. Anastasia Catholic Church! May 5 is the January-May Student of the Month breakfast. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7. The PTO will honor the teachers throughout the week. The spring band concert is May 6 at 2 p.m. for students and at 7 p.m. for parents and friends. The last School Advisory Council meeting for the year is May 7 at 7:30 a.m. in the media center. There is a noon dismissal on May 7. Mark your calendars for the spring Scholastic Book Fair scheduled for May 9-14 in the media center.

ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL

St. Andrew's students from kindergarten to eighth grade have created mini Haiti House pins and magnets to raise money for earthquake relief. Each pin and magnet is a unique creation and can be purchased at Sentiment in downtown Fort Pierce for $5. Proceeds from the sale go to UNICEF Haiti. For more information about the project, including pictures, visit www.haitihouses.org. Mark your calendars for the 2010 field day and inaugural Jog-a-Thon on May 7. Festivities will begin at 8:30 am and include sack races, musical chairs, a bucket toss and more. Staff and students will jog/walk on age-appropriate courses to raise money for the Academy. Awards will be given based on laps completed, funds raised, and participation by team. The National Junior Honor Society beach clean-up will be on May 8 at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.

SUN GROVE MONTESSORI

Sun Grove's lower elementary students went to the Lyric Theater this past week, and enjoyed an excellent performance of Charlotte's Web. The upper elementary class visited the Fort Pierce library, and would like to thank the library staff for showing our students all of the wonderful resources the library offers. The upper elementary class then enjoyed lunch on the water front in Fort Pierce.

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Nevada grad illustratescolorful children’s book

Posted: 03 May 2010 06:16 AM PDT

 You may not be familiar with the name Sami Mac, although you've probably seen her work—she was one of the artists who helped paint the Character mural in downtown Nevada.

 If you don't think the name sounds familiar, that's probably because it's just a moniker that she uses.

 Her real name is Becky McIntosh, and she chose the name Sami to honor her father, who taught her to draw, and the last name Mac to represent the last name McIntosh of her children.

 McIntosh is a graduate of Nevada High School, an artist and graphic designer with more than 20 years under her belt, and daughter of longtime Nevada resident MaryAnn Gardner.

 Recently Sami Mac teamed up with native Iowa author, LaVina Varnony-Barcus, to illustrate Barcus' newest children's book, "Perfect in Mother Nature's Eyes."

"My roommate in college hooked me up with this gal. She's written a couple other things—she's kind of figured out the self-publishing process and wrote this children's book, and my friend got us together so I could do the illustrations for her," McIntosh said.

 Doing artwork is nothing new to McIntosh, who graduated from ISU with a degree in graphic design. After college, she started out working as a graphic designer for about five years. During that time she also started doing freelance work for a T-shirt company, making character maps of cities. "I worked that to where I could do it full time and then take care of my kids at home. So it was all work at home and then I would just take the illustrations in. I worked that for 11 years, and then started homeschooling my kids," she said.

 While homeschooling her children, she slowly started slipping out of the field of graphic design. Since McIntosh graduated from ISU, the graphic design field has seen some very large technical changes. Graphic design elements used to be produced largely by hand, but now the industry has become evermore reliant on computer programs.

 "I kind of got out of the technical aspect of doing graphic design—I didn't know how to use (Adobe) Illustrator or InDesign, so I couldn't just hop back into doing a graphic design job after my kids got older and I was ready to go back to work."

 So, for the time being, she took two part-time jobs at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, where she lives. But despite not knowing some of the cutting-edge technology, she hasn't left artwork behind. McIntosh has been creating artwork for various purposes.

 She had a hand in creating the character mural, just off of main street, and has donated artwork to the Leukemia Society, to name a few.  "I've been keeping my hand in it, but I've been trying to get back into something that I could do for a living at some point," she said.

 Recently she was given the opportunity to illustrate "Perfect in Mother Nature's Eyes," which she took.

 McIntosh said that doing the 20 water- color illustrations for the book took her about 70 hours of work, but not all of that was spent just on the illustrations. She said that the author wanted to her to include some specific animals and flowers, and McIntosh wasn't familiar with all of them, so she had to spend some time researching what the author wanted and fine-tuning her artwork. After McIntosh finished the artwork it, was all sent to the publisher to be scanned into computers and prepped for printing.

 This project has led to more illustration work for McIntosh as well. "(Varnony-Barcus) is doing another book; it's got the same main character in it—her name is Sadie. In the next one, she is getting a little brother," she said.

 For now though, she is keeping to her jobs at Mercy, and working on keeping up to date in the graphic design field. "I'm just going to keep practicing it at home for now. I think a lot of it is just getting time to work on it. I've got four kids, ages 14-21, so I'm still managing on the home front and just setting aside some time to practice. I think that this has opened up some doors for me."

 McIntosh is hoping to learn a little bit from her kids, to help get her in tune with some of the newest technology in the graphic design field, "I've got one girl in college now and a son that is going to go to Iowa State. They're both in art fields, so I'm going to kind of glean off of what they learn and try to get back into it through that door, too."

 McIntosh has also spent about 50-60 hours working on her own book, "The Cowgirl Ballerina," which she is authoring in addition to illustrating. She said she hopes to get her book published at some time in the future, "I'd like to explore that avenue, too," she said.

 The Nevada Public Library will be holding a book reading Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m. The book is appropriate for ages 4-8. Copies of the book will be available to purchase.

 The book is also available online at www.createspace.com/3433148.

 


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